Uttar Pradesh to raise NDRF-like specialised rescue group, expand fire services

Uttar Pradesh to Raise NDRF-Like Rescue Group

Uttar Pradesh to raise NDRF like – In a bid to bolster emergency preparedness, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced plans to establish a specialized rescue unit akin to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). This initiative, which places “Uttar Pradesh to raise NDRF” at the forefront of the state’s strategic vision, aims to create a more resilient framework for disaster management and fire services. The new unit will be designed to respond swiftly to high-risk incidents, ensuring that the state is equipped to handle crises with greater efficiency and expertise.

Specialized Training for Enhanced Response

The Specialized Rescue Group (SRG), as the new unit is termed, will undergo rigorous training at institutions such as the NDRF, Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). This collaboration with existing specialized forces is expected to equip the SRG with the skills necessary to tackle complex scenarios like structural collapses, chemical leaks, and flood rescues. By integrating advanced techniques and equipment, the SRG will serve as a critical extension of Uttar Pradesh’s fire services, ensuring rapid deployment in emergency situations.

Expanding Fire Services Across the State

Complementing the SRG initiative, Uttar Pradesh is also set to significantly expand its fire service infrastructure. Currently, the state operates 326 permanent fire stations across 296 tehsils, with 26 new stations ready for commissioning and 25 under construction. Plans for an additional 47 fire service centers are in the pipeline, aiming to cover all tehsils by 2025. This expansion will not only improve response times but also ensure that even remote and underserved regions are adequately protected.

The state government has allocated funds to acquire 10 hydraulic platforms—three with a 90-meter reach and seven with a 72-meter reach—as well as 14 advanced firefighting vehicles. These resources will enable emergency teams to effectively manage incidents in high-rise buildings, addressing the growing challenges posed by urbanization. The focus on modernizing equipment underscores the commitment to “Uttar Pradesh to raise NDRF” as a cornerstone of the state’s disaster resilience strategy.

Since 2017, Uttar Pradesh has seen a remarkable increase in its fire infrastructure, with the number of fire stations doubling from 140 to 260 and the firefighting vehicle fleet expanding from 750 to 1,660 units. Additionally, 400 more vehicles are set for procurement in the coming years, further strengthening the state’s capacity to respond to emergencies. This growth reflects the administration’s dedication to improving public safety and aligning with national standards in disaster response.

“We must conduct routine fire safety checks in hospitals, hotels, schools, and industrial zones, while streamlining the process for obtaining fire no-objection certificates,” Adityanath emphasized. His statement highlights the need for proactive measures in rapidly growing urban areas, where the risk of fire and disaster incidents is on the rise. The CM’s remarks underscore the importance of integrating “Uttar Pradesh to raise NDRF” into a broader framework of fire safety regulations and community preparedness.

The creation of the SRG and the expansion of fire services are part of a larger effort to modernize emergency response systems in Uttar Pradesh. These measures will not only enhance the state’s ability to handle large-scale disasters but also improve daily safety operations. By investing in specialized training, modern equipment, and comprehensive infrastructure, the government is positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leader in disaster management, ensuring that its citizens are protected in both routine and extreme scenarios.