Dehradun: The Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), which saves lives during disasters and conducts rescue operations in remote areas, has achieved a major milestone. The force has been awarded the ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system. With this, the Uttarakhand SDRF has become the first disaster response force in the country to receive this certification.
This achievement reflects the force’s systematic functioning, discipline, training, and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs). In disaster-prone Uttarakhand, the role of SDRF is extremely vital during incidents such as earthquakes, landslides, heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, floods, and avalanches.
Three-Day Inspection of Functioning
The SDRF received the certification after fulfilling prescribed standards. For this, the second-phase inspection was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) from September 23 to 25, 2026, at the SDRF Battalion Headquarters in Jolly Grant. During this, former Scientist ‘G’ and Deputy Director General Vishnu Gupta, in the presence of Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi, reviewed various branches and operational procedures of the force.
During the inspection, evaluations were carried out on administrative arrangements, personnel training, resource management, record maintenance, quality management, and adherence to standard operating procedures. Subsequently, on October 8, 2026, the force was awarded the ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Over 40 Teams Ready Across the State
For relief and rescue operations during natural disasters and accidents in Uttarakhand, more than 40 SDRF teams remain on standby 24/7 across the state. Rescuing people trapped in remote areas, conducting search operations in rivers and rivulets, and providing assistance to the injured in accidents are among the key responsibilities of the force.
The role of SDRF is not limited to natural disasters alone. The force’s teams also shoulder crucial responsibilities during the Chardham Yatra, rescuing mountaineers and travelers trapped in high-altitude areas, and during religious events and adventure tourism activities.
Strengthening Functioning and Accountability
The ISO certification will help maintain the force’s administrative setup, training, utilization of resources, and equipment maintenance in line with prescribed quality standards. Additionally, it will provide an opportunity to make the processes of performance review, identification of shortcomings, and corrective actions more systematic. This will aid in enhancing preparedness and operations for future relief and rescue missions.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated the officers and personnel on the SDRF achieving this feat. Describing it as a matter of pride for the state, he said that this reflects the force’s operational efficiency, discipline, and commitment to quality. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the SDRF will continue to engage in safeguarding people with promptness and a sense of service.
Under the guidance of Director General of Police Dipam Seth and Inspector General of Police SDRF Yogendra Singh Rawat, and the leadership of Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi, continuous efforts are being made to strengthen the force’s functioning, training, and resource management.
