Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Suvendu Announces State-Level Arjun Bahini Disaster Response Squad
Suvendu Adhikari announced a new disaster-response team called Arjun Bahini.
The team will help people during emergencies such as cyclones.
It will begin with 200 members.
Most members will be retired personnel from the state Sainik Board who are under 40.
Later, retired Agniveer personnel may also join.
The members will work in Kolkata, the Hills and the Sundarbans.
The team is planned to work similarly to the National Disaster Response Force.
Adhikari said the team is needed because earlier disasters showed shortages of equipment and trained workers.
The proposed Arjun Bahini will initially have 200 members drawn from retired state Sainik Board personnel under age 40.
The force will deploy 100 members in Kolkata, 50 in the Hills and 50 in the Sundarbans.
It is intended to operate along the lines of the National Disaster Response Force.
The unit’s leader, called a Veernayak, will receive Rs 40,000 monthly, while Veers will receive Rs 25,000.
Suvendu Adhikari said the squad would address shortages of modern equipment and trained personnel exposed during cyclones such as Amphan.
- Who
- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the plan; retired state Sainik Board personnel are expected to form the initial team.
- What
- A 200-member disaster-response squad called Arjun Bahini will be created and equipped for emergency deployments.
- When
- The announcement was made on Tuesday, and the squad is expected to begin operating soon.
- Where
- Initial deployments are planned for Kolkata, the Hills and the Sundarbans, with possible later expansion to several tourism areas.
- Why
- Adhikari said the state needs better-trained personnel and modern equipment after shortcomings exposed during disasters including Cyclone Amphan.
- Initial strength
- 200 members
- Planned deployment
- 100 in Kolkata, 50 in the Hills and 50 in the Sundarbans
- Initial recruits
- Retired state Sainik Board personnel under age 40
- Future recruits
- Retired Agniveer personnel may later be hired
- Leadership title
- The unit head will be called Veernayak
- Monthly allowances
- Rs 40,000 for a Veernayak and Rs 25,000 for each Veer
- Operating model
- The squad will be formed along the lines of the National Disaster Response Force