PRESS RELEASE
Dated: 26/08/2025 Time: 1800 hrs.
National Workshop on Enhancing Response Capabilities in Biological Disasters
New Delhi, August 2025: New Delhi, August 2025: The National Disaster Response Force organized a one-day Workshop on "Enhancing Response Capabilities in Biological Disasters" at Delhi Police Auditorium, Jai Singh Road, New Delhi on 26th August 2025. The event brought together experts, dignitaries, policymakers, stakeholders and frontline responders to discuss strategies for effective biological disaster management and response in the event of such contingencies.
The workshop was inaugurated by Sh U K Singh, Director General, Soldier Support System, DRDO and Shri Piyush Anand, IPS, Director General, NDRF and was attended by experts from DRDO, DRDE, NCDC, NDMA and other organisations and field officers from SDRF’s who are the first responders in handling biological disasters.
In his inaugural address, DG NDRF highlighted the increasing challenges posed by biological disasters—whether natural, accidental or deliberate by state or non-state actors, underscoring the crucial need for tailored preparedness, robust surveillance and coordinated actions by all concerned agencies. He emphasised the requirement for spreading the knowledge and awareness to sensitise the public on the subject to enable them to remain safe and respond suitably in case such situation arises.
Dr. U.K. Singh, DG, Soldier Support System, DRDO delivered the Keynote address. He highlighted the importance of public awareness and enablement of first responders to respond responsibly in case of biological disasters.
The workshop featured a series of technical sessions led by eminent experts from DRDO/DRDE Gwalior, NCDC, ICMR, and senior officials of NDRF and State Disaster Response Forces. The discussions focused on a wide spectrum of biological threats relevant to India, including pandemics, zoonotic diseases, urban health challenges, and the impacts of climate change.
In the session ―Types of Biological Disasters Relevant to India‖ epidemics, zoonotic infections, laboratory risks, and environmental factors were covered. Other session dealt on analysing outbreak experiences and the effectiveness of response mechanisms.
DRDO, elaborated on ―Decontamination Procedures and Protocols‖ for personnel and equipment and spoke on the ―Role of Technology in Biological Disaster Response,‖ showcasing innovations in diagnostics and rapid testing. Dr. Himanshu Chauhan, Joint Director NCDC & Head IDSP, presented on ―Early Warning Systems for Biological Disasters in India‖ with a focus on surveillance networks and communication strategies. In a crucial session on ―Containment, Quarantine, and Mass Casualty Management,‖ Dr. Pradeep Khasnobis, DDG DM Cell, MoHFW, emphasized on responder safety and community mental health.
While Operational readiness of response forces were highlighted by Dr. Harish, CMO, 10th Battalion NDRF, and Dr. Satish Kumar, Commandant, U.P. SDRF, who jointly discussed the ―Capability of NDRF and SDRFs for Biological Emergency Response.‖
Concluding the workshop Dr. Meera Dhuria, IHR Secretariat, NCDC, outlined the ―Role of Ministries and Agencies in Enhancing Rescue Capacities‖, underlining inter-agency coordination. Their combined expertise significantly advanced India's preparedness and response capabilities against biological emergencies.
In the closing session, Shri Piyush Anand DG NDRF expressed appreciation for the valuable discussions and expert insights shared during the workshop. He stressed the commitment of NDRF to further strengthen response protocols and mechanisms to meet emerging challenges. The workshop served as a unique platform for collaboration among various agencies and experts with the shared aim of building a resilient India in the field of biological disaster management.
Issued by: PR Cell, NDRF HQ, New Delhi
