PRESS RELEASE
Dated: 11/03/2026
Time: 1830 hrs.
NDRF Successfully Concludes Second National Capacity Building Competition for SDRFs-2026.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) successfully conducted the Closing Ceremony of the Second National-Level Capacity Building Competition for State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs) – 2026 at Adarsh Auditorium, Delhi Police HQ, New Delhi. Shri Govind Mohan, Union Home Secretary, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The competition was organized to enhance the preparedness and operational capabilities of SDRFs in Collapsed Structure Search & Rescue (CSSR) operations, crucial for responding to urban disasters and structural collapse incidents. A total of 30 SDRF teams from 27 States and Union Territories participated in the multi-stage competition involving realistic disaster scenarios, search and rescue exercises, medical response drills and communication coordination tasks.
In his address, the Chief Guest emphasized the importance of strengthened coordination, regular capacity-building initiatives and a collective approach among disaster response agencies to achieve maximum success in saving of lives during disasters. He appreciated NDRF’s efforts in providing a national platform for skill development and inter-agency learnings. He also underscored that the orange uniform of NDRF gives a sigh of relief to affected population at the time of any disaster. The same role is being played in states by SDRFs.
On this occasion, Shri Piyush Anand, Director General, NDRF, stated that the competition serves as a collaborative platform for training, innovation and knowledge sharing among disaster response forces. He highlighted NDRF’s continued focus on capacity building, noting that 2026 has been designated as the “Year of Capacity Building,” with expanded training initiatives and skill enhancement programme for SDRF personnel.
Results of the National-Level Competition (CSSR- Collapsed Structure Search & Rescue):
1st Place (Champion Team): Himachal Pradesh SDRF
Cash Prize: ₹1,00,000
2nd Place (Runner up Team): Uttar Pradesh, SDRF
Cash Prize: ₹75,000
3rd Place: Andhra Pradesh, SDRF
Cash Prize: ₹50,000
The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), NDMA, government representatives, disaster management professionals, and participating SDRF teams. The Chief Guest also interacted with participants and commended their dedication towards strengthening the nation’s disaster response mechanism.
ISSUED BY- PR CELL, NDRF HQ NEW DELHI
