New Delhi: A specialised quick reaction force would soon be ready for deployment across the country to tackle any disaster caused by a nuclear or biological attack, amid a looming threat of such a calamity.

"The force, carved out from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), is meant to be the first responder in the event of a nuclear or biological attack," official sources said on November 10.

Four companies of CISF have been sanctioned and specialised training is being imparted to about 400 personnel, they said, adding that another six companies would be added soon.

The force would be ready for action in about four months and would be deployed at four places across the country-Ghaziabad to cater to Delhi and other Northern areas, Ranchi to cater to the East, Kota to the West and Chennai to the South, the sources said.

"The unit would be highly specialised force equipped with sophisticated equipment which is being procured by the CISF from abroad," they said.

The force would have a tie-up with the Air Force for provision of helicopters for lifting men and material in case of need, they said.

About 13 officers of the unit have already undergone eight-week training in the US in tackling nuclear and biological disasters and seven more are being trained, they said, adding that they would in turn train other personnel of the unit.

To lend a professional touch, the force would be equipped with latest satellite map of the country showing the topography of each area in minute details.

"A survey is being done through the satellites for mapping the country to keep the topographical information ready," the sources said.

They said that the realisation for creating such a force arose after the super- cyclone of 2000, which caused widespread destruction in Orissa and gained further momentum after last year's devastating earthquake in Gujarat.

However, the thinking of creating a specialised force to tackle a situation created by "man-made" disasters was put into practice as danger of a nuclear attack grew in view of the latest military standoff with Pakistan.

PTI