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Delhi's Divers: Battling Toxic Waters Daily
21 Jan
Summary
- A 15-member diver team covers Delhi's vast water bodies.
- The team performed 348 rescues and recoveries last year.
- Divers face toxic water, poor visibility, and physical dangers.
Following a techie's drowning in Noida, Delhi's urban emergency preparedness is being re-evaluated. The capital's aquatic rescue system involves specialized NDRF units and frontline divers from a local boat club. Quick-response units across districts are linked to 24/7 emergency operation cells that coordinate with various emergency services.
The primary aquatic rescue force is a 15-member team of divers based at the Civil Lines boat club. Last year, this team handled an average of one call daily, responding to 348 drowning incidents across Delhi's rivers, drains, and lakes. They achieved 61 rescues and recovered 110 bodies.
These divers operate under dangerous conditions, entering toxic water without protective gear and navigating treacherous environments like construction sites and waterlogged buildings. They face challenges including suction currents, chemical foam, and sharp debris, often relying on touch to orient themselves.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) supplements these efforts with 18 specialized teams equipped with advanced technology and rigorous training. While police are the first responders, DDMA and NDRF form subsequent layers of response for escalated situations.
