CM inaugurates SDRF Headquarters at Jolly Grant
By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 24 Apr: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the newly constructed SDRF Headquarters and Fire Station at Jolly Grant, here, today. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also honoured the SDRF jawans by giving them citations. During the programme, the CM announced that for the rescue operations carried out by SDRF at a height of more than 11,000 feet, gazetted officers working in SDRF would be granted Risk Allowance at the rate of Rs 1,500 per day and non-gazetted officers and other personnel would be given Rs 1,000 per day as is done in the case of other paramilitary forces.
He added that, with the aim of increasing the participation of women in disaster management, a sixth company of SDRF would be formed in which one-third women personnel will be appointed on priority basis. For posting in SDRF, the time period of deputation would be increased from 7 to 10 years.
The Chief Minister congratulated the SDRF team on the newly constructed SDRF Training Centre and Corps Headquarters. He said he was pleased to get the opportunity to dedicate this newly constructed SDRF headquarters to the state. Built at a cost of about Rs 144.43 crore, the headquarters of SDRF will also have other facilities including those for training in disaster management. He said the SDRF jawans and officers are discharging their duties with courage and dedication. Their sacrifice and efficiency are exemplary.
He said that, in the event of a natural calamity, the security personnel take charge and come forward to save lives. Ever since the formation of SDRF in the state in 2013, it has done exemplary and effective work from time to time in Uttarakhand at the time of disaster. Since its inception, more than 12,000 injured persons have been successfully rescued in more than 3,000 rescue operations and about 2,000 dead bodies have also been recovered under very adverse conditions. SDRF, Uttarakhand, due to its efficiency has created a unique identity in the minds of millions of people coming to the state every year for religious, spiritual and adventure tourism along with the general public. Along with relief and rescue operations in critical situations, public awareness programmes are also conducted on a large scale by the SDRF to make the general public aware of the magnitude of disasters and also to develop community capacity.
The CM added that, after the land subsidence in Joshimath a few months ago, along with the relief and rescue work, the work of making people aware was also done by the SDRF jawans and officers very efficiently. SDRF also played a major role in rescuing stranded trekkers after the Uttarkashi Avalanche incident. He expressed the hope that SDRF will continue to do important work on rescue and relief at the time of any disaster.
Haridwar MP and former Chief Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ stated that, with the establishment of the SDRF Headquarters, the jawans would get better training and other facilities. He said that, since the Himalayan region is a disaster prone area, it is necessary to strengthen the SDRF. Ever since the formation of SDRF, commendable work has been done by it in the field of disaster management, he acknowledged. He said that, keeping in view the difficult geographical conditions of the state, the SDRF will have to move forward in the direction of training people even at the district and divisional levels and build capacity to handle the disasters.
Additional Chief Secretary Radha Raturi added that, since the formation of SDRF in Uttarakhand, it has been moving forward as a motivational force.
Director General of Police Ashok Kumar declared that, currently, 5 companies of SDRF are working in the state. SDRF teams have been deputed at 39 places. SDRF jawans have shown their efficiency by doing commendable work during disasters.
Also present on this occasion were MLA Brij Bhushan Gairola, Secretary, Disaster Management, Dr Ranjit Kumar Sinha, Additional Director General of Police Dr PVK Prasad, IG, SDRF Ridhim Aggarwal, Commander, SDRF, Manikant Mishra and senior police officers.
