Bengaluru: When crisis strikes the state in the form of a natural disaster, then it is the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) that the state turns to. However, the SDRF is itself in a catastrophic state with mere 60 personnel in it and what makes the situation worse is that majority have not undergone advanced training in handling distress situations.
If sources are to be believed then the SDRF, which was formed five years ago, has half the sanctioned positions filled. The shortcoming of the crucial body came to light when the Kodagu district was seeking help and 948 personnel plunged into action, but out of this only 30 personnel were from the SDRF and the rest were deputed from other wings like the state Industrial Security Force, Armed Reserve Police and Fire department.
The formation of the SDRF happened after the centre pressed upon forming efficient disaster handling units at the state levels in 2013. With a lack of manpower, the Force could never make its presence felt and this time, with a massive calamity at hand in Kodagu, the Force could not grab attention through its efficiency.
One may have to wait and watch if the Kodagu floods will wake the government up from its slumber or not.
