The Armed Police Force (APF) is undergoing a fundamental shift in its emergency response doctrine, moving away from merely standing by for forecasts to pre-positioning units at high-risk zones. Armed Police Inspector General (IGP) Raju Aryal announced this transition during the 22nd anniversary of the Disaster Management Training School in Kurintar, emphasizing that the organization now prioritizes tangible results over theoretical readiness.
In a significant move to bolster the morale of frontline personnel, the organization has overhauled its welfare and safety nets. According to IGP Aryal, the insurance coverage for divers and those on high-risk duties has been significantly increased. Through a partnership between the government and Nepal Life Insurance, families of personnel lost in the line of duty will now receive up to 3.7 million rupees. Furthermore, a formal proposal has been submitted to the government to designate rescuers who lose their lives during operations as "Disaster Martyrs."
The Kurintar facility has established itself as a premier institution, making the location synonymous with elite diving and rescue capabilities. IGP Aryal noted that these rescuers dive into dangerous waters not merely for a paycheck, but out of a deep sense of sacrifice. He urged society and local representatives to honor these individuals, stressing that public respect is the primary fuel for a rescuer's courage. He also reminded the public to exercise patience during recovery operations, noting that retrieving a body should not unnecessarily jeopardize another living soul.
Technological integration and community participation are at the heart of the APF's future roadmap. In collaboration with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the force is establishing 59 temporary disaster management bases across Nepal. A massive initiative is also underway to register 167,000 "Disaster Indicators" nationwide, with plans to train citizens as "First Responders" through specialized 18-day community volunteer programs.
Looking ahead, a new safety project is set to launch along the Naubise-Mugling stretch of the Prithvi Highway. This initiative aims to integrate community hospitals and ambulance services to ensure immediate medical intervention following road accidents. Since 2006, the APF has responded to over 36,000 incidents, successfully saving more than 15,000 lives, a record the IGP intends to strengthen through stricter discipline and modernized tactics.
