National Disaster Response Force Raising Day 2025: NDRF History, Significance, Quotes And How It Is Celebrated – News18

Last Updated:January 19, 2025, 06:00 IST

In its 18 years of operation, the NDRF, which has 12 battalions and 13,000 men dispersed around the country, has rescued over 7 lakh stranded people and saved more than 1.44 lakh lives.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Raising Day 2025: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) celebrates January 19 as its raising day. Since the official formation of the rescue force in 2006, this day has been marked as the National Disaster Response Force Raising Day. The Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Assam Rifles are among the battalions that comprise the specialised, multi-skilled rescue force.

In times of calamity, such as drowning, building collapses, landslides, devastating floods, earthquakes and cyclones, the NDRF is the main organisation in charge of carrying out rescue operations.

National Disaster Response Force Raising Day 2025: History

Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, India experienced a number of natural disasters. Among these are the earthquakes in Gujarat in 2001, the Mumbai floods in 2005, and the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. There was a need for a response force specifically focused on rescue operations, even if the Indian Armed Forces (IAF) were engaged for rescue and recovery operations.

As a result, the 2005 Disaster Management Act was passed. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was established under the legislation as the highest authority for natural catastrophes, and the NDRF was designated as the specialised rescue force within the NDMA’s purview.

National Disaster Response Force Raising Day 2025: Significance

In its 18 years of operation, the NDRF, which has 12 battalions and 13,000 men dispersed around the country, has rescued over 7 lakh stranded people and saved more than 1.44 lakh lives. Through a variety of rescue efforts, the NDRF reportedly saved about 12,000 lives in 2021 alone.

The NDRF Raising Day is significant because it gives the courageous members of the rescue force a chance to be acknowledged, recognised, and given awards for their efforts. The ‘Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal’ was presented to eight NDRF rescuers on NDRF Raising Day 2022 in recognition of their outstanding efforts in 2021.

National Disaster Response Force Raising Day 2025: Quotes

1. Bravery is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite it. Thank you, NDRF, for your unwavering commitment.
2. Together, as a force of unity, the NDRF shows us the power of resilience and compassion in rebuilding lives.
3. On NDRF Raising Day, we honour the courage and commitment of every individual who stands ready to face the unknown.
4. Every disaster response is an opportunity for the NDRF to shine, bringing hope where it seems.
5. When nature strikes, the NDRF rises to the occasion, ensuring safety and resilience in the face of calamity.
6. In times of crisis, heroes emerge. Thank you to all the brave hearts of NDRF.
7. Disasters may test our limits, but NDRF proves that no challenge is too great when we stand united.
8. The NDRF’s commitment is unwavering, their bravery unmatched, and their resolve unshaken in the battle against disasters.

National Disaster Response Force Raising Day 2025: How It Is Celebrated

Every year on this momentous occasion, a grand parade is held on the battalion grounds. In 2024, the capital city’s raising day was held in Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Nityanand Rai, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, was the chief guest of the event.

NDRF has built a strong reputation both nationally and internationally for its selfless dedication and unmatched professionalism in disaster management.