By Haryana is set to establish its first-ever Haryana Disaster Response Force (HDRF), marking a significant step towards strengthening the state’s disaster management capabilities. Designed on the lines of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the specialised unit will enable the state to respond more quickly to emergencies without relying entirely on central agencies.
The proposed force is expected to handle a wide range of disasters, including high-rise building fires, industrial accidents, floods, earthquakes, chemical leaks and other major emergencies. The initiative aims to ensure that trained rescue teams reach affected areas during the crucial “golden hour,” when timely intervention can save the maximum number of lives.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said Haryana’s disaster response system is being modernised to keep pace with rapid urbanisation and industrial growth. He noted that in the past, the state often had to wait for NDRF teams to arrive during major incidents, resulting in valuable time being lost during rescue operations.
Once operational, the HDRF will function as Haryana’s dedicated emergency response unit, equipped with advanced rescue equipment and specially trained personnel capable of handling complex disaster situations across the state.
The government has decided to establish the HDRF headquarters at Uchana in Jind district. Spread across nearly 20 acres, the facility will house a full battalion of 1,149 personnel. Officials believe Uchana’s central location will allow rescue teams to be deployed quickly to almost every district in Haryana.
Whether responding to a building collapse, industrial explosion, chemical spill, road accident or natural disaster, specialised teams will be kept on standby for immediate deployment.
The decision comes as Haryana faces new safety challenges driven by rapid infrastructure and industrial expansion. Cities such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat and Panchkula have witnessed a sharp rise in high-rise residential and commercial buildings, increasing the need for specialised urban rescue capabilities.
Similarly, industrial hubs including Panipat, Faridabad, Bahadurgarh and Gurugram have seen the expansion of chemical and manufacturing industries, raising concerns about industrial accidents and hazardous material emergencies.
Authorities also acknowledge that older urban areas with narrow streets continue to pose operational challenges for conventional firefighting vehicles. Several recent fire incidents in residential towers, factories and warehouses have highlighted the need for a faster and more technologically advanced disaster response system.
As part of the broader modernisation programme, the state government is also upgrading the Fire Services Department with world-class firefighting equipment. Chief Minister Saini said new-generation fire tenders are being procured, while fire brigades will receive hoses extending up to one kilometre in length. These long-range hoses will enable firefighters to tackle blazes even in congested localities where large emergency vehicles cannot gain direct access.
The government believes the creation of the HDRF will significantly improve Haryana’s preparedness for both natural and man-made disasters. With dedicated personnel, modern equipment and quicker deployment capabilities, the force is expected to minimise casualties, reduce response time and enhance the overall effectiveness of rescue and relief operations.
Officials say the initiative will not only strengthen public safety but also position Haryana as a more self-reliant state in disaster management, capable of responding swiftly to emergencies without waiting for external assistance.
