For the first time since the 2005 deluge and the recent terror attacks, close to 200 men from the Central Forces, specially trained in disaster management, have been posted to tackle any calamity in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

As the city gears up to face the highest tides for the monsoon season, two teams of the National Disaster Risk Management Programme, consisting of 40 members each have been posted at Taloja in Navi Mumbai. They have 83 vehicles, Hazardous Material Van, decontamination vehicles, 36 rubber boats, rescue equipment, 300 life buoys, life jackets and travel vehicles. The teams have been trained in nuclear, chemical and biochemical disaster as well.

Each team consists of a CRPF commandant, medical staff, engineer, technician and is equipped with rescue equipment. The team is capable of administering first aid before the victims can be taken to a hospital. Officials said that at any given time, two teams are always ready to set off to any location.

“Two teams have been posted in Taloja in Navi Mumbai. Last week, when there was heavy rainfall, the teams had reached the low lying areas in Vashi and engaged in rescue work,” said S C Mohanty, director of the state disaster unit. “They also checked out water logging and flooding spots in Mumbai including Juhu, Santracruz and Kurla.”

The teams are co-ordinating with BMC and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and the Disaster Management Unit of the state government.

The members are part of the 145 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

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