Sat Jan 18 16:14:29 UTC 2025: ## NDRF Celebrates 20th Raising Day with Amit Shah as Chief Guest

**Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh:** The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is celebrating its 20th Raising Day on January 19th, 2025, at its 10th battalion premises in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be the chief guest, with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu serving as the guest of honour.

Addressing the media on Saturday, NDRF Director General Piyush Anand highlighted the force’s achievements over the past two decades. Established in 2006 following the Disaster Management Act of 2005, the NDRF has grown from eight to sixteen battalions, operating from 68 locations across India. Each battalion comprises 18 specialized Search and Rescue (SAR) teams.

Mr. Anand emphasized the NDRF’s commitment to zero casualties in disasters. The force has conducted over 12,000 operations, rescuing more than 158,000 people and evacuating over 850,000. In 2024 alone, they conducted a record 1,038 operations, saving over 4,000 lives and evacuating 63,000. The NDRF’s responsibilities include responding to natural and man-made disasters (excluding fires), collapsed structure rescue, flood relief, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear contingencies. Since 2022, they have also been involved in controlling forest fires.

The event marks not only a celebration of the NDRF’s accomplishments but also a reaffirmation of its dedication to disaster mitigation and public safety. Twenty NDRF teams have been deployed to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh to ensure preparedness for any potential emergencies.

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