Amit Shah Hails NDRF as Global Disaster Response Leader at President’s Colour Ceremony

The President’s Colour is among the highest institutional honours awarded to military and paramilitary forces in India and recognises exceptional service, discipline, dedication, and national contribution.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today hailed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) as a symbol of trust, courage, and national preparedness while addressing the prestigious President's Colour Award ceremony in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Describing the honour as recognition not only of the NDRF's extraordinary service but also of India's entire disaster management ecosystem, Shri Amit Shah said the force has emerged as one of the world's most respected disaster response agencies over the last two decades.

The President's Colour is among the highest institutional honours awarded to military and paramilitary forces in India and recognises exceptional service, discipline, dedication, and national contribution.

The ceremony was attended by the Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Director General of NDRF, and several senior dignitaries.

NDRF Has Earned Trust of 140 Crore Indians: Amit Shah

Addressing NDRF personnel and officials, the Home Minister said the force's motto — "Aapda Seva Sadaiv Sarvatra" — reflects its unwavering commitment to disaster response anywhere and anytime.

"Whenever a disaster strikes or is anticipated anywhere in the country, people feel reassured when NDRF personnel arrive believing that rescue operations will succeed," Shri Shah said.

Highlighting the scale of the force's contribution since its formation, he revealed that NDRF personnel have:

• Saved more than 1.5 lakh lives

• Evacuated over 9 lakh people to safer locations

He said the sight of NDRF teams during floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and other disasters inspires confidence and security among citizens.

The Home Minister added that the President's Colour recognises the collective contribution of:

• State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs)

• Panchayat-level disaster networks

• National Cadet Corps (NCC)

• National Service Scheme (NSS)

• Thousands of disaster volunteers

India Moving Towards 'Zero Casualty' Disaster Management

Shri Amit Shah said India's disaster management philosophy has undergone a major transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership since 2014.

He said the country has moved beyond conventional disaster relief approaches and is now focused on proactive disaster risk reduction with the long-term goal of achieving "zero casualty" during disasters wherever advance forecasting is possible.

"Wherever prior information about disasters is available through forecasting and the Meteorological Department, the objective is to ensure protection of lives and property," he said.

According to the Home Minister, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has played a major role in building this preventive disaster management framework through:

• Policy reforms

• Early warning systems

• Public awareness campaigns

• Community participation

• Disaster preparedness guidelines

He noted that over the past 12 years, disaster preparedness in India has evolved from a mere system into a comprehensive national ecosystem.

Massive Capacity Building Across India

Amit Shah highlighted the Government's emphasis on capacity building and community-based disaster preparedness.

According to him, NDRF has undertaken large-scale training programmes involving:

• More than 8,500 personnel

• Over 10,000 civil defence workers

• More than 2.20 lakh volunteers

• Over 10,500 boatmen trained in the last two years

The Home Minister said community volunteers will play a crucial role in strengthening grassroots disaster response capabilities and emergency preparedness nationwide.

He also praised NDRF's humanitarian approach, noting that the force has rescued not only people but also animals affected during disasters.

India Emerging as Global First Responder

Shri Amit Shah said India has now established itself as a global leader and "first responder" in disaster management and humanitarian assistance.

He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "10-point agenda" and 360-degree approach toward disaster management, which focuses on:

• Risk mapping

• Disaster-resilient infrastructure

• Community participation

• Early warning systems

• International cooperation

The Home Minister also pointed to India's leadership in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which now includes 48 member countries working collaboratively on climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

He said India's principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" is now being implemented practically through global disaster cooperation initiatives.

NDRF Expanded into Powerful National Force

Reflecting on India's disaster management evolution, Shri Amit Shah recalled devastating disasters such as:

• Odisha Super Cyclone

• Gujarat earthquake

• Indian Ocean tsunami

These events, he said, exposed the urgent need for a robust disaster management framework, ultimately leading to the enactment of the Disaster Management Act and the establishment of NDMA and NDRF.

Today, with 16 battalions, NDRF has grown into a highly specialised and capable disaster response force.

The Home Minister highlighted several major operations successfully handled by NDRF, including:

• 2008 Kosi floods in Bihar

• Flash floods in Dharali

• Cloudbursts in Chasoti

• Floods in Jammu, Punjab and Delhi

• Cyclone Montha

• Cyclone Ditwah

NDRF has also supported crowd and emergency management during major religious events including:

• Amarnath Yatra

• Mahakumbh

• Char Dham Yatra

• Sabarimala pilgrimage

• Jagannath Rath Yatra

Infrastructure Expansion and Environmental Initiatives

During the event, Shri Amit Shah inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth over ₹116 crore aimed at further strengthening NDRF's operational capabilities.

The Home Minister also praised Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for their environmental initiatives, revealing that since 2021 CAPF personnel have planted more than 7 crore trees across India.

He described the campaign as a reflection of the humanitarian outlook and environmental commitment of India's security forces.

Analysts say the President's Colour honour marks a major milestone for NDRF as India continues to strengthen its disaster resilience capabilities amid increasing climate-related disasters and extreme weather events.