CM Sukhu asks Home Dept to set up dog squad with SDRF

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today directed the Home Department to establish a dog squad with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to enhance the efficiency of rescue operations during natural calamities.

Sukhu congratulated the SDRF for securing the first position in the national-level SDRF, CSRR competitions organised by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, recently. He also instructed the department to commence the recruitment of 700 Home Guard jawans immediately to bolster manpower and improve services.

The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh was prone to natural disasters and the SDRF had been playing a vital role in saving valuable lives and carrying out rescue and rehabilitation operations. He added that the state government was committed to strengthening the SDRF and equip it with the latest technology and modern equipment.

The winning team comprising 18 members from Shimla, Mandi and Kangra companies first clinched the top spot at the North Zone competitions and then bagged the first position in the national-level event defeating seven states.

ADGP, Home Guards and Civil Defence Department, Satwant Atwal expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the allocation of Rs 12 crore for the procurement of modern equipment for the SDRF. She said that these latest equipment were also showcased during the competition at Ghaziabad and they contributed to the team’s success.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Onkar Chand Sharma and senior officers were present on the occasion.