State Disaster Response Force Assam – “Courageous and committed”

The State Disaster Response Force Assam is a Special force established by the government of Assam, India, to respond to disasters and emergencies within the state.

In a special meeting of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) on 5th November 2009, it was decided that Assam would raise a full-fledged SDRF battalion and six companies of SDRF in different cities. As a result On 15 December, 2011 the Government of Assam raised the Assam State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) as the state’s top rescue response organization or Force. “We Serves to Save” is their motto. It denotes a consistent disaster response service in all situations.

Some Important Facts About SDRF Assam:

• SDRF Assam stands for State Disaster Response Force Assam.

• It comes under the Home & Political Department Government of Assam under the Umbrella of Assam Police.
• It is the only dedicated disaster response force in the state with comprehensive response capabilities having multi-disciplinary and multi-skilled, high-tech, standalone nature.
• The Force is headed by Special Director General of Police.

• The Force is Established in 2011, Headquartered in Guwahati Assam.

• It works with co-ordination with Assam Police, Fire and emergency services and State Disaster Management Authority Assam (SDMA) which lays down policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management.

Roles & Responsibilities of SDRF Assam

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Assam plays a crucial role in responding to disasters and emergencies within the state. Some of the important roles and responsibilities of SDRF Assam are:

• Search and Rescue Operations: SDRF Assam is responsible for carrying out search and rescue operations during disasters and emergencies. The force is equipped with modern equipment and trained in various techniques to locate and rescue people trapped in disaster-hit areas.

• Evacuation Operations: SDRF Assam is responsible for evacuating people from disaster-affected areas and providing them with immediate relief and medical assistance. The force is trained to work in adverse conditions and provide support to people in distress.

• Medical Assistance: SDRF personals are the Trained as the medical First Responder. SDRF Assam provides medical assistance to people affected by disasters and emergencies. The force is equipped equipment to provide immediate medical support to those in need.

• Restoration of Essential Services: SDRF Assam is responsible for restoring essential services such as electricity, water supply, and communication networks in disaster-affected areas. The force works closely with other agencies and organizations to ensure the timely restoration of essential services.

• Public Awareness and Education: SDRF Assam plays an important role in creating public awareness about disasters and their impact. The force conducts various awareness programs and training sessions and mock drills to educate people about disaster preparedness and response.

Composition of SDRF Assam :

Currently there are 5 Companies of SDRF Battalion in different parts of Assam.

• 1st Company SDRF Battalion in Lakhimpur District of Assam .

• 2nd Company SDRF Battalion in Kathal, Cachar district of Assam.

• 3rd Company SDRF Battalion in Sila, North Guwahati.

• 4th Company SDRF Battalion in Abhayapuri, Bongaigaon district of Assam.

• 5th Company SDRF Bettalion in Dergaon, Golaghat district of Assam.

Rank Structure of SDRF Assam

1. Special Director General of Police
2. Inspector General of Police
3. Deputy Director
4. Superintendent of Police
5. Divisional Officer / Company Commander in the Rank of Dy S.P
6. Response Team Commander ( Equivalent rank of Inspector / Sr So )
7. Squad Commander ( Equivalent rank of Sub Inspector/ SO )
8. Assist Squad Commander ( Equivalent rank of ASI/ Sub O )
9. Havildar
10. Emergency Rescuer ( Equivalent Rank of Constable UB )
11. Grade IV employees

Difference between State Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Fund :

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) are two different entities that play distinct roles in disaster management. The State Disaster Response Force is a specialized force established by the state government to respond to disasters and emergencies within the state. The SDRF is responsible for carrying out rescue, search, and evacuation operations during disasters. The force is trained and equipped to handle a wide range of disasters, including natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and landslides, as well as man-made disasters like building collapses and industrial accidents. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is a dedicated force of personnel who are experts in disaster response.

On the other hand, the State Disaster Response Fund is a dedicated fund established by Central government or the Government of India to provide financial assistance for relief and rehabilitation measures during disasters and emergencies in various states of India. The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) is managed by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and is governed by the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The fund is used for activities such as search and rescue operations, medical assistance, shelter and food provision, and restoration of essential services.

In summary, the The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is a dedicated force of personnel trained and equipped to handle disasters, while the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) is a dedicated fund used to provide financial assistance for relief and rehabilitation measures during disasters. Both are important components of a state’s disaster management framework and work in tandem to ensure a prompt and efficient response during times of crisis.