The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Monday successfully rescued a family of nine from drowning in the Ganga river.
The family had been calling for help as their boat drifted uncontrollably due to strong waves. Deputy Inspector General of NDRF, Manoj Kumar Sharma, who was inspecting the preparedness of the teams at Arail Ghat for the Kumbh Mela 2025, noticed their distress and immediately directed the team to rescue them.
According to the NDRF, a mock drill for a water emergency was already underway when the real emergency occurred. All nine family members were rescued, demonstrating the force’s readiness and efficiency.
Speaking about the operation, the NDRF DIG highlighted the team’s preparedness for various emergencies, including nighttime rescues. “NDRF is fully prepared for Kumbh. You have seen this one small demonstration we put in front of you. This was a demonstration regarding what kind of challenges can we face in relation to the water emergency and how to deal with them, in which to save the drowning people,” he told ANI.
Detailing their capabilities, he emphasized the availability of trained personnel and special equipment, including underwater torches, speed boats, and skilled divers. “The demo that was held today was about water emergency. You know that millions of people will come here to take a dip. If by accident someone slips, someone goes deep into the water and starts drowning, we have some special equipment for that,” he said.
“We have special divers around us, we have a skilled swimmer. We have a speed boat. And we are ready for how to tackle this challenge not only in the day but also in the night. We have an underwater torch. You will see on the boats that we have turned on different types of LED lights, which will help the sailors who are our divers in the dark,” he added.
The Maha Kumbh, held once every 12 years, will conclude on February 26. The main bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) are scheduled for January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).
