Days after the fatal building collapse in South Delhi's Satya Niketan that claimed seven lives, the Delhi government has initiated the process of establishing a dedicated State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) for the national capital.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has formally begun work on setting up the specialised force, aimed at strengthening Delhi's preparedness and response to major emergencies. The proposed SDRF is expected to reduce response times, improve coordination between agencies and enhance the city's ability to manage disasters without depending as heavily on external assistance.
Until now, Delhi has relied on the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services and local police for specialised support during major disasters and emergencies.
Delhi plans dedicated force for faster emergency response
Gupta said establishing an SDRF in Delhi was long overdue, noting that most states already have their own specialised disaster-response units.
"Most states in the country have already established an SDRF; having one for a densely populated metropolis like Delhi is the need of the hour. Due to various reasons, this vital system could not materialize during the tenures of previous governments. The Delhi government will now move forward in this direction to reduce reliance on external aid during disasters and to bolster local capacity for immediate response," she said.
Gupta added that the objective would go beyond responding after a disaster has occurred, with the government seeking to make Delhi better prepared to deal with emergencies proactively.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat chaired by Gupta. Delhi government Chief Secretary Rajiv Verma, NDRF Director General Piyush Anand, Inspector General Narendra Bundela and senior officials from several departments attended the meeting.
NDRF officials briefed the Chief Minister on the proposed force and its structure. They said an SDRF battalion could be raised in Delhi with up to 1,100 personnel. The unit would function under the state government and, when directed, would be able to reach disaster sites rapidly and undertake relief and rescue operations.
Satya Niketan collapse highlights need for local capacity
The move follows the collapse of a boys' paying guest accommodation in Satya Niketan, where multiple agencies were involved in rescue and relief operations. The tragedy has renewed focus on the need for a stronger local mechanism capable of responding quickly to emergencies.
Seven people died in the collapse, while six others were injured. Investigations have indicated that repair work in the basement and water accumulation may have contributed to the weakening of the ageing structure. Officials are examining the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
The Delhi government has also taken action following the incident. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi suspended five officials from its South Zone, including senior engineering and administrative personnel, following directions from the Chief Minister.
A magisterial inquiry has also been ordered into the circumstances surrounding the collapse, while a case has been registered against the building owner and others.
Earthquake and flood risks add urgency to plan
The proposed SDRF assumes particular significance given Delhi's vulnerability to natural and other emergencies. The national capital falls in high-risk Seismic Zone-IV, making it vulnerable to earthquakes, while severe flooding and other emergencies can also require immediate and specialised rescue operations.
The dedicated force is therefore expected to strengthen Delhi's ability to mobilise trained personnel quickly, coordinate with existing emergency agencies and provide specialised assistance at disaster sites.
The government believes the move will help build local capacity and reduce the city's dependence on external forces during emergencies, while improving preparedness before disasters strike.