For the monsoon season Inspector General (IG) of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Sanjay Gunjyal has cancelled leaves of all personnel for the next three months. Further, for the first time SDRF paramedic staff will be carrying anti-venom drugs in designated areas.
IG Gunjyal said, “As per past incidents, pre positioning of personnel has been ensured at all those areas which are vulnerable and disaster prone during rainy season. There are 29 places where SDRF is already deployed; these are the areas that have past records of being disaster prone.
We have taken this step to minimise the response time. The force has been asked to stay alert. They are to be ready on call. Leaves will also be given only under special circumstances or emergency situations.”
He further said, “There were some cases of snake bites especially during this season. Especially in remote areas there are fewer chances of antivenom drugs being available, which is why we have asked paramedics to include anti-venom drugs in their kit.”