Union Home Minister Govind Mohan speaks during an event organized by the National Disaster Response Force. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Union Home Minister Govind Mohan on Wednesday (March 11, 2026) said that 60% of the country’s geographical area is prone to earthquakes, noting that the Disaster Management Act, 2005 was enacted in the wake of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake.
“India is in a sensitive category when it comes to earthquakes,” Mr. Mohan said at an event organized by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
The interior minister also blamed rapid urbanization, which causes population density in cities. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in loss of life and property due to structural collapse of multi-storey buildings, he added.
Exercise of search and rescue operations
The NDRF has successfully concluded the second National Level Capacity Building Competition for the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The event was organized to enhance the preparedness and operational capabilities of the SDRF in search and rescue operations of collapsed structures, which are crucial for responding to urban disasters and structural collapse incidents.
Mr. Mohan emphasized the importance of enhanced coordination, regular capacity building initiatives and collective approach among disaster response agencies to achieve maximum success in saving lives during disasters. He appreciated the efforts of NDRF to provide a national platform for skill development and inter-agency lessons. He also emphasized that a glimpse of the orange uniform of the NDRF will bring a sigh of relief among the affected population during any calamity.
NDRF Director General Piyush Anand said that 321 pieces of modern equipment were approved by MHA recently. By 2025, he said, the NDRF had conducted 1,500 missions and rescued over 40,000 people.
Published – 11 March 2026 23:20 IST
