Archive · 10 Sep 2026
After Delhi PG Collapse, SDERF Process Begins for Faster Response
Delhi wants to create its own emergency response team.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the team should respond quickly when disasters happen.
Officials met with the National Disaster Response Force to discuss how to build it.
The announcement came after a five-storeyed PG building collapsed near Delhi University’s South Campus.
Seven people died and several others were injured in that collapse.
Gupta thanked the National Disaster Response Force for helping with rescue and relief efforts.
She also told officials to inspect PG accommodations and hostels.
Authorities will take action against unauthorised construction.
The report refers to the planned force as SDERF, while a government post calls it SDRF.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the process of forming an SDERF has begun.
Senior National Disaster Response Force officials met at the Delhi Secretariat to advise on the proposed team.
The force is intended to give Delhi a trained and rapid response capability during disasters.
The announcement followed a building collapse near Delhi University’s South Campus that killed seven people and injured several others.
Gupta also ordered inspections of PG accommodations and hostels, along with intensified action against illegal construction.
- Who
- Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi government, National Disaster Response Force officials and Municipal Corporation of Delhi officials.
- What
- The process of establishing a state disaster response force has begun, alongside inspections and enforcement against illegal construction.
- When
- The announcement was made on Thursday, September 10, 2026, days after the building collapse.
- Where
- The planning meeting took place at the Delhi Secretariat; the collapse occurred near Delhi University’s South Campus in Delhi.
- Why
- The proposed force is intended to provide Delhi with a trained, capable and faster response during disasters.
- Proposed force
- State Disaster Emergency Relief Force, referred to as SDERF in the report.
- Government post terminology
- The Delhi Chief Minister’s Office referred to the planned team as a State Disaster Response Force, or SDRF.
- Chief minister
- Rekha Gupta
- Advising agency
- National Disaster Response Force officials provided inputs for the proposed team.
- Recent incident
- A five-storeyed building used as paying guest accommodation collapsed near Delhi University’s South Campus.
- Reported casualties
- Seven people were killed and several others were injured.
- Enforcement measures
- The Municipal Corporation of Delhi was directed to inspect PG accommodations and hostels and act against unauthorised construction.