category Regional, shimla, , tags Regional, shimla, , DW BUREAU Shimla The Himachal Pradesh government is committed to strengthening and empowering the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and steps are being taken to equip the force with modern technology and equipment, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Saturday. Presiding over a function organised by the Himachal Pradesh SDRF at the police headquarters in Shimla, he said the state government has released about Rs 12.65 crore for purchase of modern equipment for the force. Himachal Pradesh is one of the disaster-prone areas and such steps will help in expediting relief and rescue operations during disasters, Sukhu said in a statement issued here. At present three companies of SDRF were established in the state and necessary steps were being taken for modern training and capacity building of the Jawans working under SDRF, said Sh. Sukhu adding that the government was committed to provide adequate funds for its modernization. He said that the state government has released about Rs. 750 crore in the last three months for relief purposes under disaster management. He said that in the recent disaster, SDRF has done excellent work and ensured the safety of precious human lives. The Members of this force played an important role in evacuating the stranded people from Fagli and Summerhill areas in the state capital. Apart from this, the efforts of SDRF Jawans in rescuing the people trapped in various areas like Kuklah of Seraj Assembly constituency, Pandoh and Hanogi of Mandi district have been exemplary. He said that SDRF along with Army and NDRF successfully carried out various rescue operations in other areas as well for which all the Jawans deserve appreciation. Principal Secretary, Revenue, Onkar Chand Sharma said that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu led from the front in dealing with perhaps the biggest tragedy in the state till date. Under his able leadership and guidance, the local people including police, SDRF, NDRF also made their valuable contribution in relief and rescue operations. Earlier, Director General of Police, Sanjay Kundu welcomed the Chief Minister and expressed his gratitude for providing adequate funds to the SDRF for the purchase of equipment. He said that the state government and its people have shown courage and sensitivity in dealing with this disaster. Himachal also showed that under the able leadership of the Chief Minister, the state always stands with the affected people in providing quick relief along with rescue operations. (editor dailyworld.in)