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Rajya Sabha
The orientation of disaster management policy in India has been changed from a relief centric approach to a holistic multi-disciplinary and multi sectoral approach, encompassing all the elements of disaster management i.e. prevention, mitigation preparedness, response, relief and rehabilitation. The approach emanates from the conviction that development can not be sustained unless disaster mitigation and preparedness are built into the developmental process.
In line with the recent change in approach the Government of India have taken several measures to strengthen our response capabilities. In this context, the Government of India has introduced the Disaster Management Bill 2005 in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill inter-alia provides for strengthening facilitate a holistic, coordinated and prompt response to natural calamities. The Bill also provides for Constitution of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for specialized response to any natural calamiites. Eight battalions of Central Paramilitary Forces have been earmarked to constitute NDRF. Each of these battalions will have 18 specialist Search and Rescue teams. The process of training and equipping of specialized teams of the NDRF battalions has already begun.
The State Governments/UT Administrations have also been advised to constitute Search and Rescue teams for immediate response and assistance to the people affected by natural calamities. The States/UTs have been authorized to procure necessary equipment for Search and Rescue teams under Calamity Relief Fund (CRF).
This information was given by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri S. Regupathy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
OK/AD/MM
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