For a faster and coordinated response during disasters, the Maharashtra government is looking at increasing the strength of its state disaster response force (SDRF) personnel. This comes after the floods and inundation in parts of the state including Sangli and Kolhapur.
Modelled on the lines of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), which is a specialised force to respond to natural and man-made disasters, the SDRF has a strength of 428 personnel and officers, with two companies being stationed at Nagpur and Dhule (one company with three teams each at both locations). "We are planning to increase the strength of the SDRF with the entire state being covered. We may station teams in vulnerable areas like Kolhapur and Navi Mumbai. Ideally, one team should cover a district," said a senior state government official.