Shillong: The Meghalaya government on Wednesday strengthened its disaster response mechanism by raising two new battalions of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), adding over 700 personnel to its ranks.
Each battalion will comprise 354 personnel, taking the total strength to 708. Officials said one unit will be deployed in the Garo Hills region, while the other will cover Shillong and Jaintia Hills to ensure wider operational reach.
The battalions were formally raised at a function held at the Civil Defence and Home Guards Complex in Mawdiangdiang, where Civil Defence and Home Guards Minister Brenning A Sangma unfurled the unit flag.
Addressing the gathering, the minister highlighted the state's vulnerability to natural disasters.
"Meghalaya, with its challenging terrain and heavy rainfall, remains vulnerable to landslides, flash floods, and other natural disasters. In this context, strengthening disaster response capabilities is of paramount importance," he said.
He noted that the initiative is distinctive as the battalions have been formed by subsuming the Border Wing Home Guards Battalion, allowing better utilisation of existing manpower and resources.
"Such an approach is not commonly adopted across all states and reflects innovation and administrative foresight," he added.
The minister said the move marks a major step towards improving preparedness and resilience, adding that the newly raised units will be equipped with modern rescue gear and trained in specialised disaster response techniques.
Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar Mantri said the SDRF in Meghalaya was initially set up in 2014 with a single company drawn from Civil Defence and Home Guards personnel.
He described the creation of two full battalions as a significant expansion and said efforts would be made to ensure adequate deployment across districts.
He also informed that, in line with central directives, the state has approved renaming the Meghalaya Secretariat Home Guards as the Meghalaya Industrial Security Force (MISF), aimed at developing a dedicated industrial security unit.
Director of Civil Defence and Inspector General of SDRF, M K Sangma, said the strategic deployment of the battalions would enable faster response across the state.
He added that personnel would undergo advanced training in search and rescue, disaster response, and emergency management.