NDRF Raising Day 2026: Every year on January 19, India observes NDRF Raising Day, commemorating the anniversary of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Since its formation in 2006 under the Disaster Management
Act, the NDRF has been at the forefront of disaster management in India, carrying out thousands of rescue, relief, and evacuation operations nationwide.
The NDRF comprises 16 Battalions of specialised disaster-relief personnel that are based at 68 locations across the nation. These locations are determined depending on the vulnerability and overall threat levels observed and documented by the agency. These base camps help reach out to the disaster sites and communities quickly.
History And Significance OF NDRF
The origins of the National Disaster Response Force can be traced back to the series of devastating natural calamities that India encountered in the period between 1990 and 2004. Determined to safeguard citizens, the Indian government came up with the Disaster Management Act on December 26, 2005. It was under this act that India got its first disaster management task force, the National Disaster Response Force, on January 19, 2006.
The NDRF’s motto reflects its intentions and efforts over the years. Their motto, ‘Aapada Seva Sadaiv Sarvatra’, translates to sustained disaster response service under all circumstances.
On this special occasion of the Raising Day of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), we salute the courage, dedication and selfless service of the brave personnel who are a shield in times of adversity. Their unwavering commitment to saving lives, responding to disasters… pic.twitter.com/g4ThI3gMGh
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 19, 2025
The NDRF Raising Day honours the efforts of these brave disaster rescue soldiers, commemorating their selfless service to the country. The NDRF Raising Day also helps spread awareness among the public about the efforts and achievements of the force.
Role of India’s Disaster Response Force
Over time, NDRF has grown leaps and bounds in terms of training and resources to handle a range of natural disasters and tragedies. The rescue force has 1,149 personnel across its 16 Battalions.
The NDRF has carried out relief, rescue and evacuation operations during many natural and man-made calamities. It is capable of acting in chemical, biological and radioactive emergencies.
India’s vast geographical landscape has witnessed many floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides and emergencies over the years, but the NDRF has proven to be a saviour on each occasion.
The rescue force has carried out over 12,000 operations and rescued over 1.58 lakh people during disasters.
