State Disaster Response Force (Uttar Pradesh)

State Disaster Response Force Uttar Pradesh Police is a Specialized Force of Uttar Pradesh Police formed in 2016 with the aim of strengthening the state's disaster management capabilities and responding effectively to disasters and emergencies.

Background
Every year, Uttar Pradesh faces different types of disasters, and there's a concern that it might face more in the future. This could be because of climate change, population changes, people's social and economic conditions, cities growing without a plan, and development happening in risky areas or places prone to natural hazards.

To handle these situations, the Chief Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Government issued an order on November 28, 2016. This order led to the creation of the Uttar Pradesh Disaster Management Authority, following the rules of the National Disaster Management Act of 2005. To further comply with the National Disaster Management Policy of 2009 and the National Disaster Management Plan, the State Disaster Response Force was established. This force is meant to help with relief and rescue efforts during disasters.

Organizational structure
State Disaster Response Force Uttar Pradesh operates under the command of the Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh Police, and is divided into several battalions based in different regions of the state.

Selection & Training
The State Disaster Response Force Uttar Pradesh plays a crucial role in managing and responding to disasters that occur within the state. The selection process of the SDRF in Uttar Pradesh is rigorous and demanding, selection and training program is Specially designed and Monitored by The Director General of Police Uttar Pradesh.

Selection : The SDRF UP is manned by the Personal from Armed Betalion of Uttar Pradesh Police on Deputation for 5 Years. All the Personals who are deputed to SDRF UP get 30% Additional Risk allowance for this reason there is a healthy competition between all the State forces to join SDRF UP.

Training : The training process for the SDRF in Uttar Pradesh is designed to equip the personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond to various types of disasters. The training program includes both theoretical and practical training. The training is conducted by experienced trainers who have expertise in disaster management. Recently The state Government Announced To create a Disaster Relief Training Centre in Uttar Pradesh.

Deployment
The SDRF UP Jawans are deployed in the stretegic Location in the States. At Present There are 6 Companies SDRF UP. And the Government of Uttar Pradesh has announced to create 3 new SDRF units.

The Jawans of SDRF UP are deployed in various duties such as Water petroling, Ayodhya Temple's Innermost Zone and various Law & Order and other duties.

Achievements
In recent years, the SDRF has played a crucial role in responding to several disasters and emergencies in the state, For That reasons the state Government is Trying to strengthen The SDRF.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the force played a vital role in managing the crisis, providing assistance to affected communities, and ensuring the implementation of lockdown measures.

Flood Response: The SDRF in Uttar Pradesh has been very effective in managing and responding to floods in the state. In 2019 & 2022, when the state was hit by severe flooding, the SDRF personnel were at the forefront of the rescue and relief operations. They rescued more than 5,000 people, provided medical assistance, and distributed food and water to those affected by the floods.

Earthquake Response: In 2021, when a powerful earthquake struck the state, the SDRF personnel were quick to respond. They carried out search and rescue operations, provided medical assistance, and helped in the evacuation of people from affected areas.

Cyclone Response: The SDRF in Uttar Pradesh also played a crucial role in managing the impact of Cyclone Tauktae in 2021. The force evacuated people from low-lying areas, provided medical assistance, and distributed relief materials.

Building Collapse Response: The SDRF personnel have also been effective in managing building collapse incidents in the state. In 2023 the rescue operation in Insident of Building collapses in In UP's Barabanki & Sambhal was successfully done by SDRF UP personals.

In addition to this SDRF UP has also been involved in several other significant rescue and relief operations, including the floods in Gorakhpur in 2017, the chemical factory explosion in Kanpur in 2019, and the rescue of trapped miners in Sonbhadra in 2021.