Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Launches Dedicated Disaster Response Force

Navi Mumbai, May 28, 2025 — In a major move to bolster disaster preparedness and emergency management, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has officially launched a dedicated Disaster Response Force (DRF). Formed under the leadership of Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailash Shinde, the specialized unit will operate around the clock to provide swift relief in the event of natural or man-made disasters.

Modeled after the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Thane Disaster Response Force (TDRF), the newly established DRF comprises trained personnel from the NMMC Fire Department and Civil Defence Force. The initiative aims to enhance the city’s operational readiness and ensure faster and more efficient disaster mitigation efforts.

Given the unique topography of Navi Mumbai — which includes hilly areas, coastal zones, lakes, aging infrastructure, and vital transport corridors such as state and national highways — the city is vulnerable to a range of emergencies. Past incidents have included urban flooding, tree collapses, building failures, landslides, and road blockages during monsoons. Historically, the Fire Department has responded to such events, prompting the need for a more focused, well-equipped emergency response unit.

To provide swift zone-wise intervention, the DRF has been divided into two operational zones:

• Zone 1 will be led by Sixth Fire Station Officer Premanand Thakur.
• Zone 2 will be overseen by Sixth Fire Station Officer Padaji Nirgude.

Each zone will operate with an 11-member team comprising Divisional Field Guards, Fire Pioneers, and Firefighters. The DRF will function under the direct supervision of the Deputy Commissioner for Disaster Management.

The Emergency Response Force will be stationed at NMMC Headquarters and will remain operational 24/7. In the event of a major incident, all officers and personnel will be mobilized immediately upon receiving alerts from the municipal control room. The team will be equipped with essential tools and resources, including life jackets, spreader-cutter combi tools, concrete cutters, power hammers, ladders, fire extinguishers, and other advanced rescue equipment, provided by the Chief Fire Officer of the NMMC Fire Department.

Commissioner Dr. Shinde emphasized that this new unit will significantly improve Navi Mumbai’s disaster management capabilities by enabling immediate and well-coordinated relief efforts. “With two dedicated teams supported by trained personnel from both fire services and civil defense, we now have the infrastructure to respond more efficiently to emergencies across the city,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to report any emergency or disaster-related incident by contacting the NMMC Central Control Room at 27567060 / 27567061 or toll-free at 1800-222-309 / 1800-222-310.

The launch of the DRF marks a significant step toward building a safer, more resilient Navi Mumbai.