India on Tuesday celebrated the 21st Raising Day of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), paying tribute to the country’s frontline heroes who step into danger when ordinary citizens are trying to escape it. Known for their fearless rescue operations during floods, earthquakes, cyclones, building collapses, and other emergencies, NDRF personnel have become a trusted symbol of hope in times of crisis.
The occasion served as a moment of national pride as leaders, security forces, and citizens acknowledged the extraordinary work done by the disaster response unit often called India’s elite lifesaving force.
NDRF Raising Day 2026: A National Tribute to Courage and Service
The NDRF Raising Day is observed every year to mark the establishment of the National Disaster Response Force. This year’s celebration highlighted not only the growth of the organization but also its unmatched contributions to disaster management across India and beyond.
Formed in 2006, the NDRF was created to build a professional rescue and disaster response system that could act quickly during emergencies. Over the years, it has emerged as one of the most respected disaster management agencies in the country.
With every passing year, the unit has strengthened its preparedness, training standards, and operational capacity becoming a major pillar in India’s disaster-response ecosystem.
NDRF Strength: 16 Battalions and Over 16,000 Personnel on Standby
According to the details highlighted during the Raising Day commemorations, the NDRF today consists of:
- 16 battalions
- Over 16,000 trained personnel
This large force remains ready for deployment during natural and man-made disasters, including:
- Floods
- Earthquakes
- Cyclones
- Landslides
- Industrial accidents
- Building collapses
- Major public emergencies
NDRF teams are specially trained and equipped to perform operations in extremely risky environments, often under severe weather conditions and time pressure.
Amit Shah Leads Tributes on NDRF Raising Day
Home Minister Amit Shah led the tributes on the 21st Raising Day and praised the NDRF’s commitment to serving the nation. He highlighted the role NDRF plays in strengthening India’s disaster preparedness and response under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Home Minister also remembered the brave personnel who sacrificed their lives while carrying out rescue missions, calling them martyrs who gave everything for the safety of others.
His words reflected the reality that disaster response is not just a duty it is often a life-threatening responsibility.
Army and Other Forces Join in Praising NDRF’s Contribution
The Raising Day celebrations also saw appreciation coming from the Indian Army and other security forces, recognising how NDRF teams cooperate with multiple agencies during emergencies.
Large-scale disaster operations usually require coordination among:
- NDRF
- Indian Army
- State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF)
- Police
- Fire services
- Local administration
- Medical teams
In many crises, the NDRF becomes the central rescue unit on the ground, while other agencies support evacuation, security, logistics, and emergency treatment.
NDRF Achievements: Over 159,293 Lives Saved Since Formation
One of the most powerful highlights of NDRF’s journey is the scale of lives it has protected over the past two decades.
Since its inception, the NDRF has reportedly:
- Saved more than 159,293 lives
- Evacuated over 864,316 people
These numbers are not just statistics they represent families reunited, children rescued, and communities protected from disasters that could have turned even more tragic.
NDRF’s presence in disaster zones often makes the difference between life and death, especially when every minute matters.
Major Operations: From Uttarakhand Floods to International Rescue Missions
Over the years, NDRF has been part of some of the most challenging rescue missions in India’s modern history. The force has played a major role in responding to large disasters like the Uttarakhand floods, where extreme conditions demanded rapid rescue and evacuation.
NDRF has also extended support beyond India’s borders during international disasters. The Raising Day details mention NDRF involvement in rescue efforts connected with earthquakes in places such as:
- Nepal
- Turkey
This highlights India’s growing capability to assist other nations during humanitarian emergencies, with NDRF playing a key role in global disaster relief operations when called upon.
Why NDRF is Called India’s Elite Disaster Response Force
What makes NDRF stand out is its specialized training and readiness. Unlike normal emergency services, NDRF personnel are prepared to handle complex disaster situations with advanced tools and strategies.
NDRF teams typically focus on:
- Search and rescue operations
- Evacuation planning and execution
- Flood rescue using boats and rope systems
- Collapsed structure rescue operations
- Medical first response support
- Recovery efforts after major incidents
Their courage is matched by discipline, coordination, and a deep sense of service qualities that have earned the force nationwide respect.
Prepared for Every Emergency: Floods, Cyclones, Earthquakes and More
India is geographically vulnerable to multiple disaster risks. Different regions face different challenges coastal areas face cyclones, Himalayan regions face landslides and cloudbursts, and many parts of the country fall under earthquake-prone zones.
This is why NDRF’s presence is crucial. Their teams are trained to operate in:
- Strong currents and submerged areas during floods
- High wind and destruction zones during cyclones
- Rubble and collapsed structures after earthquakes
- Remote areas where roads and communication collapse
Their ability to respond quickly and professionally often reduces damage and prevents panic during emergencies.
Remembering the Martyrs: The Sacrifice Behind the Uniform
While celebrating success and achievements, the Raising Day also serves as a reminder that disaster response comes with heavy risks.
Many NDRF personnel have lost their lives while performing rescue missions. Whether it is unstable buildings, flash floods, dangerous waters, or extreme weather, the risks are real and unpredictable.
The nation honoured these brave martyrs during the Raising Day events, acknowledging that their sacrifice represents the highest level of duty and courage.
Public Trust in NDRF Continues to Grow
Over the past 21 years, NDRF has earned strong public trust. For many citizens, seeing the NDRF uniform at a disaster site brings a sense of relief and hope.
In many situations, people have shared emotional stories of:
- being rescued from rooftops during floods
- being pulled out from collapsed homes
- getting safe evacuation during storms
- receiving help when local systems were overwhelmed
This trust has turned NDRF into a national symbol not just of rescue, but of resilience.
NDRF’s Role in Building a Disaster-Resilient India
As disasters become more frequent due to climate patterns, urban expansion, and environmental risks, the need for strong disaster preparedness becomes even more important.
The NDRF continues to play a key role in supporting India’s long-term disaster-resilience efforts by:
- improving emergency response speed
- increasing trained manpower
- supporting disaster readiness planning
- working with state agencies and local bodies
- spreading awareness and preparedness systems
The larger goal is not just to respond to disasters, but to reduce risk and save more lives every year.
21 Years of NDRF A Journey of Bravery, Service and Hope
India’s celebration of the 21st Raising Day of NDRF is more than a ceremonial event it is a national tribute to the lifesavers who operate under the most dangerous conditions so that others can survive.
With 16 battalions, over 16,000 personnel, and a record of saving 159,293 lives while evacuating 864,316 people, NDRF has proven its importance time and again.
From rescue missions in India to humanitarian operations abroad, the force continues to strengthen India’s disaster response capabilities. As the nation honors these heroes, the message is clear: the NDRF is not just a rescue unit it is India’s shield in times of crisis.
On its 21st Raising Day, India salutes NDRF with pride, gratitude, and respect.
