Overview
- The cabinet has approved creating a dedicated force organised into 18 companies and led by an inspector general‑rank officer, with formal notification to follow after the lieutenant governor signs off.
- Most personnel will be taken on deputation from central armed police forces while some posts will be filled by direct recruitment, and officials expect the staffing process to take several weeks to months.
- Delhi plans a phased roll‑out with the NDRF providing specialist training and helping procure gear, and officials aim to have a couple of operational teams in place by early January.
- The push for a local force accelerated after a recent Satya Niketan building collapse and responds to Delhi’s risks from earthquakes, floods, fires and recurring building failures.
- Officials have ordered a mapping of existing disaster equipment and expanded training for fire service and Civil Defence volunteers so local units can support larger rescue operations and reduce dependence on national teams.