Srinagar, May 14: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Thursday addressed the President’s Colour Award ceremony of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, as the Chief Guest. Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Director General of NDRF and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said that the conferment of the President’s Colour on the NDRF is not merely a recognition of the force’s commendable service, but also an acknowledgement of the contributions made by State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs), Panchayats, state governments, NCC, NSS and thousands of disaster volunteers engaged in relief and rescue work across the country.
He said NDRF personnel, guided by the motto “Aapda Seva Sadaiv Sarvatra”, have earned the trust and affection of people through their dedicated service both in India and abroad. Shah said that whenever disasters strike, the arrival of NDRF personnel instils confidence among people that rescue operations will be carried out successfully.
The Home Minister said that in the 20 years since its establishment, the NDRF has earned the trust of 140 crore Indians through successful rescue and relief operations during floods, earthquakes, cyclones and other calamities. He said the force has saved more than 1.5 lakh lives and evacuated over nine lakh people to safer locations, creating a strong sense of security among citizens.
Calling the President’s Colour a recognition of the service, courage, valour and dedication of the entire NDRF, Shah said that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and NDRF have established India prominently on the global map in the field of disaster response.He also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth more than Rs 116 crore and expressed confidence that these initiatives would further strengthen the NDRF’s disaster response capabilities.
Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has moved beyond disaster risk reduction since 2014 and is now working towards the goal of “zero casualty” during disasters. He said that with improved forecasting systems and timely alerts from the Meteorological Department, efforts are being made to ensure maximum protection of lives and property.
He added that the NDMA has taken several policy decisions, issued guidelines and promoted awareness campaigns to gradually make disaster preparedness a national culture.
The Home Minister said the NDRF has also set an example by rescuing not only people but also animals during disasters. He reiterated that the government’s objective is to ensure zero loss of human life and minimum damage to property during calamities.
Referring to heatwaves, Shah said the Ministry of Home Affairs is fully prepared to tackle the growing challenge effectively and that the Modi Government is working towards reducing heatwave-related deaths to zero.Highlighting capacity-building efforts, Shah said the Ministry of Home Affairs and NDRF have trained more than 8,500 personnel, over 10,000 civil defence workers and more than 2.20 lakh volunteers. He added that over 10,500 boatmen have also been trained in the last two years to strengthen disaster response mechanisms.He said disaster volunteers would play a key role in promoting community-based disaster response and tackling emergencies effectively.
Shah noted that disaster management in India has transformed from a relief-oriented approach to a preventive and proactive system under the Modi Government.The Union Home Minister said Prime Minister Modi’s vision has turned disaster preparedness from a mere administrative mechanism into a comprehensive ecosystem involving everyone from Gram Panchayats and scientists of the India Meteorological Department to ordinary citizens.
Recalling major disasters such as the Odisha Super Cyclone, Gujarat earthquake and Indian Ocean tsunami, Shah said these tragedies highlighted the need for a robust disaster management framework, leading to the enactment of the Disaster Management Act and the establishment of NDMA and NDRF.
He said that with 16 battalions, the NDRF has emerged as a highly capable force and has enhanced its effectiveness through training support to SDRFs, joint operations and proactive deployment strategies.Shah recalled that the 2008 Kosi floods in Bihar were among the first major tests for the NDRF, after which the force successfully handled several disasters, including flash floods, cloudbursts and cyclones across the country. He added that the NDRF has also played a vital role during major religious gatherings and pilgrimages such as the Amarnath Yatra, Mahakumbh, Char Dham Yatra, Mani Mahesh Yatra, Sabarimala pilgrimage and Jagannath Rath Yatra.
Highlighting India’s growing global role in disaster management, Amit Shah said Prime Minister Modi’s 10-point agenda and 360-degree approach have strengthened risk mapping, early warning systems, community participation and policy formulation.He said India has emerged as a global leader and first responder in disaster management and has translated the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” into action.
Shah added that India has also taken global leadership in disaster-resilient infrastructure, with 48 countries joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).Congratulating personnel of all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Shah said that since 2021, CAPF personnel have planted more than seven crore trees across the country, reflecting their commitment towards environmental protection and humanitarian values. (KINS)
