By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 1: In a major push to strengthen disaster preparedness and response, the Meghalaya government on Wednesday raised two battalions of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
This is part of a comprehensive restructuring of the SDRF and the Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG), aimed at building a more efficient, specialised and responsive disaster management system. As per the restructuring plan, the BWHG has been converted into a semi-volunteer force, in line with the original sanction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
A total of 708 permanent posts from the BWHG have been subsumed into the newly created SDRF units. The 1st SDRF Battalion, headquartered in Shillong, will cater to the Eastern Range, while the Tura-based 2nd Battalion will cover the Western Range, ensuring wider and faster deployment during emergencies across the state.
The restructuring also introduces a strengthened command hierarchy, with the Director of Civil Defence designated as the Inspector General of SDRF and the Joint Director serving as the Deputy Inspector General. Officials said this will ensure better coordination, accountability and operational efficiency.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion at the parade ground of the Civil Defence and Home Guards in Mawdiangdiang, Civil Defence and Home Guards Minister Brening A Sangma described the initiative as a landmark reform and an example of administrative innovation.
He said the integration of BWHG personnel into the SDRF enables optimal utilisation of trained manpower and resources, creating a focused and specialised disaster response force—an approach not widely adopted by other states.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s vulnerability to natural disasters, the minister said heavy rainfall often causes landslides, flash floods and related emergencies. He stressed that strengthening disaster response capacity is critical to safeguarding lives and infrastructure.
“The raising of these SDRF battalions marks a significant step in enhancing the state’s preparedness and resilience. Equipped with modern rescue equipment and trained in specialised techniques, the force will play a vital role in responding swiftly and effectively to disasters,” he said.
Director of Civil Defence MK Sangma termed the occasion a matter of pride and importance for the state. He emphasised that the newly raised battalions will function under the Directorate of Civil Defence and Home Guards, ensuring improved coordination among agencies and quicker response during crisis situations.
Sangma said personnel drawn from the BWHG bring with them experience, discipline and operational readiness, making the SDRF a dependable force during emergencies.
“This restructuring will significantly strengthen disaster management capabilities and help build a more resilient Meghalaya,” he said.
Other dignitaries present at the event included Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar Mantri and Commandant of Civil Defence and Home Guards Mukesh Kumar Singh.
The event featured a ceremonial parade, a band display and demonstrations by SDRF personnel, showcasing rapid response, rescue operations and emergency handling skills.
