The National Capacity Building Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) Competition 2026 wrapped up successfully in Haringhata, West Bengal. Hosted by the 2nd Battalion NDRF, the event brought together State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams from seven states in the eastern and northeastern regions. The competition aimed to enhance disaster response capabilities and promote inter-agency coordination in emergency operations.
The competition, held in Nadia district, saw the participation of the Disaster Management Group (DMG) of Kolkata Police alongside SDRF teams from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tripura, and West Bengal. According to a senior NDRF official, the event marked a significant milestone in disaster response enhancement and inter-agency coordination.
Sanjay Singh, director general, Civil Defence, West Bengal, and Bharat Bhushan Vaid, DIG, East & Northeastern Zone, NDRF, graced the closing ceremony. The competition, designed to offer standardized training and foster cooperation among SDRF teams, focused on real-time scenario-based exercises like structural assessment and victim extrication drills.
Teams underwent a week of pre-competition training under NDRF experts’ guidance to prepare for the competition. The event aimed to strengthen state SDRF teams’ response to complex disaster situations and improve their disaster response capabilities. Bihar SDRF secured first place, with Tripura SDRF claiming the second spot, showcasing high standards of teamwork and technical competence.
