SHIMLA: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu lauded the efforts of the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (HP SDRF) in their relief and rescue operations during disasters. He reiterated the government's commitment to modernise HP SDRF and equipping them with latest technology and equipment.
He said state government has allocated Rs. 12.65 crore for the acquisition of advanced equipment, recognizing Himachal Pradesh's vulnerability to natural disasters.
Presently, the state hosts three SDRF companies, and efforts are underway to provide them with contemporary training and enhance the capacity of their personnel. The government remains dedicated to facilitating the modernization of the force.
Chief Minister Sukhu said Rs. 750 crore had been released in the last three months for relief purposes related to disaster management.
He praised SDRF evacuating stranded individuals in Fagli and Summerhill, Kuklah of Seraj, Pandoh, and Hanogi in the Mandi district. Army and NDRF conducted rescue operations in various areas, he added.
Principal Secretary, Revenue, Onkar Chand Sharma, highlighted Chief Minister Sukhu's leadership during recent disasters, noting the significant contributions made by local residents, police, SDRF, and NDRF in relief and rescue operations.
Director General of Police, Sanjay Kundu, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for providing the necessary funds to equip the SDRF with essential equipment and praised Chief Minister's leadership in ensuring swift relief and rescue operations for affected people.
During the event, SP, SDRF Ilma Afroz presented a comprehensive overview of the SDRF's rescue operations, including those in Summerhill and Fagli in Shimla.
Several SDRF personnel, including Constable Vikas Mohan from SDRF Shimla, Head Constables Devendra Kumar, Naveen Kumar, and Balvinder Singh from Mandi, Head Constable Pankaj, and Constable Vishalav Rajat from Kangra, shared their experiences in various rescue missions.
The event was attended by MLAs Yadavindra Goma and Ajay Solanki, Mayor of the Municipal Corporation Shimla, Surendra Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Secretary Home, Abhishek Jain, Additional Director General of Police Satwant Atwal, and senior police department officers.
