Punjab Newsline, Shimla, November 6-
To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the emergency response system, the present State Govt is diligently working to strengthen the SDRF. In this effort, the State Government has taken two important decisions. Firstly, the entire response framework will be unified under ADG of Home Guards and Civil Defence, ensuring a coordinated approach to any emergency or disaster management. Secondly, Home Guards will be assigned to SDRF for a period of two years reinforcing the system's capacity and resilience.
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated, "The State Government is prioritizing to strengthen the SDRF in the pretext of increasing the frequency of cloudbursts and other natural disasters. The State Government intends to make the system more organized and effective to safeguard lives and reduce losses. Himachal Pradesh is vulnerable to landslides, avalanches and earthquakes and other natural disasters and the State Government is taking these risks with utmost seriousness."
The Chief Minister held a meeting on 1st August, 2024 following the cloudbursts in Mandi, Kullu and Shimla districts and directed the senior officers to enhance the effectiveness of the emergency response system.