PRESS RELEASE
Dated: 30th Oct 2024
Time: 1600 hrs
NATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE FORCE PAYS TRIBUTE TO ITS VALIANT AND BRAVEHEART MARTYRS AT NATIONAL POLICE MEMORIAL, NEW DELHI
Today, the braveheart Martyrs of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were remembered with pride and reverence by NDRF at the National Police Memorial (NPM), Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The family members of the Martyrs were also present on the occasion.
Shri Vivek Srivastava, Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defence, and Home Guards, holding additional charge of DG NDRF, welcomed the attendees and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the families of the martyrs. He reaffirmed NDRF’s commitment to serving the nation with the same dedication and bravery demonstrated by its fallen heroes.
Shri Govind Mohan, Union Home Secretary, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and expressed gratitude to our valiant heroes who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. While addressing the solemn gathering, the Chief Guest underlined the difficult, prompt, and heroic tasks undertaken with pride and commitment by NDRF bravehearts across the Nation. He praised our police personnel for their dedication and sacrifice made to maintain peace and harmony in the country. The Hon’ble Chief Guest also honoured the family members of NDRF martyrs. While underlining the services rendered by NDRF to the Nation, he mentioned that wherever any disaster happens, the presence of the NDRF rescuers on the incident site assures the countrymen that now the situation will be taken care of by NDRF, instilling a sense of safety in their minds.
On this occasion, the Commemoration Parade was also conducted, followed by band performances by the NDRF band and versatile bands from various schools.
Since its inception in the year 2006, NDRF has always proved its mettle in the realm of disaster response and Disaster Risk Reduction. NDRF rescuers have saved lakhs of lives in various disasters and are always committed to its motto, “Aapda Seva Sadaiv Sarvatra.”
It is pertinent to mention that till now, 16 rescuers of NDRF have attained martyrdom in the line of duty. In one of the incidents, during the Uttarakhand Cloud Burst in 2013, a team comprising 9 personnel of NDRF was engaged in the rescue and evacuation of pilgrims stranded in the high ridges of mountains at Kedarnath. The team displayed exemplary dedication and devotion to the highest traditions of NDRF. The men worked under strenuous conditions and rescued thousands of pilgrims. After accomplishing the assigned task, while returning, unfortunately, the chopper crashed near Gaurikund, and all 9 NDRF bravehearts made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
The programme was witnessed by senior dignitaries from NDMA, MHA, senior officers from different CAPFs, school students, other representatives from various organizations, and media personnel. The Chief Guest, Shri Govind Mohan, Union Home Secretary, also took the opportunity to engage and interact with the school bands and the parade contingent.
Issued By: PR Cell, NDRF HQ, New Delhi.
