Amit Shah Lauds NDRF on Raising Day, Calls It ‘Pillar of Trust’ During Calamities
New Delhi, January 19, 2026 — Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday extended warm greetings to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on its Raising Day, hailing the elite disaster-response force as a “pillar of trust” that India relies on during times of natural and man-made calamities. Shah’s tribute comes amid growing focus on strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience across the country.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shah praised the NDRF’s pivotal role in advancing the Government of India’s vision of a “disaster-resilient India”, a priority initiative under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He highlighted how the NDRF’s dedicated service has made it a dependable force that citizens and authorities alike turn to when emergencies strike.
“Warm greetings to the personnel of @NDRFHQ on Raising Day,” Shah wrote. “Through its significant role in realising the Modi gov’t’s resolve to build a disaster-resilient India, the NDRF has today become the pillar of trust the nation relies on during calamities.” He also paid homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty to protect others.
Two Decades of Service
The NDRF was established on January 19, 2006, under the Disaster Management Act as a specialised, multi-skilled disaster response unit tasked with responding to all major natural and human-induced emergencies. Over almost two decades, the force has evolved into a robust national asset, responding to earthquakes, cyclones, floods, landslides and hazardous material incidents across India.
Personnel are trained in a wide array of rescue and relief operations, including search-and-rescue after structural collapses, water rescues during floods and cyclones, and emergency medical support in crisis zones. Their deployment often marks the first line of organised response when disaster strikes, bringing vital assistance to affected populations.
As the NDRF marks another year of service, Shah’s message underscored not just appreciation but also public confidence in the force’s capabilities. “India’s citizens repose enormous faith in you during their most challenging hours,” he said, stressing that the NDRF’s professionalism, courage and quick action embody the nation’s commitment to protecting lives.
Tribute to the Fallen
Shah’s message also honoured the sacrifices of NDRF personnel who have lost their lives while serving others. Over the years, many responders have died while executing high-risk operations in extreme weather and hazardous environments. Shah’s salute to these martyrs reinforced the government’s recognition of their courage and selflessness.
Disaster response and management have increasingly become critical to national policy, particularly as climate change drives more frequent and intense weather events. The NDRF’s work has included major deployments during cyclones in coastal states, floods in the north and northeast, and emergency evacuations in remote regions. Their expanding role reflects India’s larger focus on disaster risk reduction and community resilience.
Strengthening India’s Resilience
In recent years, the NDRF has incorporated advanced technology and training into its operations. According to official records, the force has expanded from its initial battalions to cover multiple regions of the country, increasing its reach and capability to respond swiftly. Plans to integrate drones, artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge tools into rescue missions are aimed at enhancing operational efficiency in complex scenarios.
Officials note that this blend of human skill and technological support is essential as India prepares for future challenges. From rapid urbanisation to climate-linked disasters, the ability to respond quickly and effectively can save countless lives and reduce the socio-economic impact of emergencies.
Government Support and Future Goals
The government has bolstered its disaster management framework through enhanced funding, expansion of training infrastructure and close coordination between central and state agencies. Funds from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and complementary State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) ensure that resources are available for pre-positioning teams and equipment ahead of forecasted events.
As calls grow for greater disaster preparedness in an era of climatic extremes, the NDRF’s Raising Day serves as a reminder of the force’s indispensable role. Shah’s commendation on this occasion reflects both gratitude and a continued commitment to equipping responders with the tools and training necessary to face future crises.
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