Budget approves funds for 3 new SDRF teams

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh govt approved significant financial allocations for the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in the 2026–27 financial year. Under the Home (Police) department, Rs 14.87 crore was sanctioned on the capital side to operationalise 3 new SDRF teams in the state. The allocation will be utilised for the procurement of vehicles, machinery, specialised rescue equipment, and other operational tools. Officials said the move aimed to enhance the state's capacity to respond swiftly to floods, building collapses, road accidents, industrial mishaps, and other natural or man-made disasters. The new teams are expected to improve geographical coverage and reduce response time in vulnerable districts. In addition, Rs 13 lakh was earmarked under the revenue head for maintenance of vehicles and fuel expenses for SDRF operations. Simultaneously, the govt strengthened the ANTF by creating a dedicated corpus fund of Rs 1 crore lakh to reward police personnel for exemplary investigation and enforcement work during narcotics-related operations. Meanwhile, in a move aimed at strengthening prison-based vocational and agricultural activities, the Uttar Pradesh govt sanctioned Rs 56.22 lakh for the purchase of tractors and allied agricultural equipment in 3 newly constructed district jails. The funds will be utilised in the district prisons of Shravasti, Sant Kabir Nagar, and Pratapgarh, where agricultural activities are being promoted as part of inmate engagement and skill development initiatives. Officials said the procurement of tractors and modern farm implements will help utilise available prison land more efficiently, promote self-sustenance in food production, and provide inmates with practical agricultural training.