NDRF Launches Annual Mountaineering Program

In a significant step toward strengthening disaster response capabilities in mountainous regions, Piyush Anand, Director General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), has announced the initiation of an annual mountaineering program. This initiative aims to enhance the physical and mental preparedness of NDRF personnel, equipping them to efficiently handle rescue missions in challenging high-altitude terrains.

The announcement comes at a crucial time, just ahead of large-scale pilgrimages such as the Char Dham Yatra and the Amarnath Yatra, both of which pass through disaster-prone mountain areas. Speaking about the third expedition under the program, titled “Shaurya”, Anand highlighted that such initiatives are critical to training teams for increasingly frequent natural disasters in India's hill regions.

“The Prime Minister and Home Minister have given the target of zero casualties during natural disasters. This program is part of that mission,” Anand stated. He emphasised the need for comprehensive operational readiness in terrains susceptible to landslides, avalanches, earthquakes, and flash floods. The expeditions are designed not only to improve the endurance and skills of NDRF teams but also to simulate real-life scenarios in difficult environments.

Anand underlined the importance of being prepared as first responders, especially in remote and inaccessible regions where timely intervention is crucial. The mountaineering program, therefore, serves as both a training and capacity-building initiative, ensuring that NDRF personnel are well-equipped to respond effectively in emergencies.

Further, efforts are being made to strengthen the State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs). To support this, the NDRF has made technical resources accessible on its official website and released 25 disaster management training videos in 11 regional languages to enhance outreach and understanding.

On June 16, Union Home Minister Amit Shah applauded the efforts of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), NDRF, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) for playing a pivotal role in positioning India as an emerging global leader in disaster management.

This mountaineering initiative marks a proactive approach in building a resilient and responsive disaster management framework, particularly for India's vulnerable high-altitude zones.

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