India could soon be a part of the United Nations (UN) mandated international disaster rescue operations as the country’s federal contingency force, NDRF, is expected to obtain a globally recognised standardizationby the Switzerland-headquartered INSARAG.
Context
- India could soon be a part of the United Nations (UN) mandated international disaster rescue operations as the country’s federal contingency force, NDRF, is expected to obtain a globally recognised standardizationby the Switzerland-headquartered INSARAG.
What is INSARAG?
- INSARAG (or the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group) is a network of more than 90 countries and organisations.
- It is headquartered in Switzerland.
- It works under the UN umbrella to deal with urban search and rescue related issues.
- The UN agency INSARAG standardises disaster response teams across the world.
- It is an international gold standard.
- China and Pakistan have already got the standard recognition.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- The National Disaster Response Force was raised in 2006 to undertake specific tasks of relief and rescue during natural and manmade disasters or life threatening situations.
- It has 12 operational battalions comprising more than 15,000 personnel based across the country at present while four more battalions are taking shape.
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How the recognition would be significant for NDRF, India?
- It will give an international recognition to NDRF and will India a profile of a great disaster response oriented country.
- It will follow the protocols and standard operating proceduresof gold standard which would enhance its efficiency and capacity.
- It will be called upon to take part in international efforts to mitigate the disasters.
- NDRF can become a national accreditation agency for state disaster response forces with UN support.
