Bihar to raise special battalion for disaster management

Patna, Dec 25 (IANS) Bihar will raise a special battalion on the lines of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist the state machinery in disaster management, protection of the weaker sections and restoring law and order during communal disturbances, an official says.

"The process is already underway for setting up the special battalion in the state," Director General-cum-Commandant General of Bihar Home Guards and Fire Services Neelmani said.

About 225 home guards have been selected for the special battalion in the first phase.

Neelmani said the battalion would have a sanctioned strength of over 825 troopers. The special battalion would be ready for duty by March or April next year.

"All the selected home guards would have to undergo rigorous training from NDRF soon," a police officer said.