The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is mulling to establish a Regional Response Centre in Jharkhand if the State government makes it available desired land for the purpose. Director General (DG) of NDRF OP Singh said on Saturday that unavailability of land was one of the biggest hurdles in the road that could lead to formation of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in Jharkhand.
He said that an unorganised team of NDRF which existed in the State was run under NDRF Centre in Patna, Bihar. He also said that this visit of his in State was meant to boost the morale of team members working in Ranchi, and if bore no significance as far as situations created after incessant rains since Wednesday in the State was concerned.
“At present, our Jharkhand team is an extension of the establishment that we have in Patna and we expect a SDRF team and RRC here soon,” said Singh.
Singh’s arrival was being presumed associated with taking immediate actions for bringing life of thousands which was hit badly by rain since Wednesday, back to normalcy. The rains have affected normal life in Palamau, Chatra and Garhwa districts badly since last two-three days, claiming four lives and damaging six bridges, officials said. While two children drowned in Chatra district, bodies of two women were found in Palamau district.
As far as weather condition in the State is concerned, the Met department has predicted of heavy rains on Sunday. Road connectivity between Palamau and Bihar was cut off as water of the Durgawati river washed away the road near an under-construction bridge on NH 75.
However, Singh said that the team was keeping a close eye on the situation which was not as bad as was being assumed. “A team has been sent to Garhwa which will work closely with local administration according to the situation. But we don’t see any significant threat at this very moment across the State. However, we are keeping close eyes at situation as a whole and would response in the way our team is known for,” said Singh.
The NDRF has 12 Battalion and 23 RRCs keeping close eyes on geographic and weather conditions across the country to at least minimise, if at all not possible to neutralize the adverse conditions claiming any life.