In a significant move, the Tripura Government, led by the Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha, has put forth a compelling proposal to the Central government, urging for the permanent deployment of a dedicated National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) battalion in Tripura.

Replying a calling attention on the permanent deployment of a battalion of National Disaster Response Force in Tripura for dealing with natural disasters and calamities, Chief Minister Dr Saha said that since 2013, a team consisting of the first 50 personnel of the National Disaster Response Force has been permanently stationed at the Central Training Institute (CTI) located in Gokulnagar under Sepahijala District.

CM said that for setting up NDRF team, the state government handed over 2 acres of land with two paved buildings to NDRF and the proposal is being considered by the Revenue Department.

“NDRF teams have trained manpower, disaster response equipment and vehicles. They are ready 24 hours a day to deal with any disaster. So far NDRF has been involved in most of the disaster response in the state. Additional NDRF teams were sent to Tripura during the devastating floods in June 2018 and the SITRANG Cyclone in October 2022. During normal times, NDRF team cooperates with CTI in imparting various types of training. Moreover, it participates in various training and skill development activities as required by district and local administration”, said CM Saha.

He further informed the house that considering the requirement of NDRF battalion in the state, the state government requested the Government of India to permanently deploy NDRF battalion in Tripura.

In this regard, on August 16, 2022, Chief Secretary to Government of Tripura has sent a letter to DG NDRF. On 13 June 2023, a National Level Meeting on Disaster Management was held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister. In the said meeting  Chief Minister of Tripura requested for permanent establishment of NDRF Battalions in Tripura.

“Tripura government is ready to deploy NDRF battalion and if Centre give nod for this then the state government will take necessary steps”, added CM.