Introduction to North West Sector

The North West Sector of the CRPF stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s internal security framework, demonstrating its steadfast commitment to combating terrorism, maintaining law and order, and ensuring good governance. As the administrative head of units strategically deployed across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Chandigarh, the Sector plays a pivotal role in safeguarding peace and stability in these critical regions.

The Sector's primary focus lies in:

• * Counter-Terrorism Operations in Jammu & Kashmir: A significant number of units under its command are deployed in Jammu & Kashmir, where they are engaged in relentless anti-terrorist operations. These units work tirelessly to neutralize threats, restore peace, and create an environment conducive to development in one of India’s most sensitive regions.
• * Law and Order in Punjab: Recognizing the historical and socio-political challenges of Punjab, the Sector has deployed units to ensure stability and prevent unrest. These efforts are critical in maintaining harmony in a state that has seen periods of volatility.
• * Support to State Administration in Chandigarh: With one unit stationed in Chandigarh, the Sector extends its expertise to assist the state capital’s administration in public safety, contributing to effective and efficient governance.

Beyond its operational mandate, the North West Sector is deeply committed to:

• * Good Governance: By ensuring smooth coordination between its units, providing timely training, and upholding discipline, the Sector sets high standards of administrative excellence.
• * Welfare of Personnel and Families: Recognizing that the strength of its force lies in the well-being of its personnel, the Sector prioritizes the welfare of its members and their families. It provides robust support systems, fosters a sense of belonging, and creates an environment that enables personnel to focus on their duties without distraction.
• * Administrative Responsibilities: As an administrative head, the Sector ensures seamless logistical support, operational readiness, and effective management of its units, fostering a culture of efficiency and dedication.

The North West Sector embodies the CRPF's ethos of courage, resilience, and service to the nation. Its unwavering commitment to fighting terrorism, maintaining peace in the regions, and upholding the welfare of its personnel underscores its vital role in the country’s internal security and governance.

Location

The North West Sector office of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is strategically located in Hallomajra, a prominent area of Chandigarh, ensuring excellent connectivity and accessibility.

Situated on the Dakshin Marg, one of the city's key arterial roads, the office benefits from its position in a well-planned urban hub. The Dakshin Marg not only integrates smoothly into Chandigarh's renowned grid layout but also connects seamlessly to the Ambala-Chandigarh Road (NH-152), a vital highway linking the city to other parts of the region.

About the City: Chandigarh

Chandigarh, famously known as "The City Beautiful", is located in Northwest India at the foothills of the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas. Serving as the capital for both Punjab and Haryana, it also holds the distinction of being a Union Territory, making it a unique administrative entity.

The city was meticulously planned by the renowned French architect Le Corbusier, embodying his vision of modern urban living. Chandigarh stands as a testament to innovative urban planning and architectural brilliance, blending functionality with aesthetics. Its name is derived from the ancient Chandi Mandir, a temple dedicated to the Goddess Chandi, situated near the site where the city was developed.

Chandigarh is celebrated for its clean, green environment, modern buildings, and iconic landmarks such as the Capitol Complex, Rock Garden, and Sukhna Lake. It is often regarded as one of the most successful experiments in urban planning and modern architecture in India.

Climate of Chandigarh

Chandigarh experiences a subtropical climate, characterized by distinct seasons:

•          * Summer (March to June): Summers are hot, with temperatures often ranging from 35°C to 44°C, accompanied by dry conditions.
  •          * Monsoon (July to September): The city receives moderate to heavy rainfall during this period, with lush greenery adorning its landscape.
    •          * Autumn (October to November): A pleasant transitional season with mild temperatures and clear skies.
      •          * Winter (December to February): Winters are chilly, with temperatures dropping to as low as 3°C to 5°C, often accompanied by foggy mornings.

Chandigarh's climate, combined with its meticulous urban planning and scenic surroundings, makes it a vibrant and comfortable place to live and visit year-round.

Historical Evolution of North West Sector, CRPF

    * The North West Sector of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has a rich history of service and evolution:

• The Sector was established on 23rd July 1986 as an operational entity, marking the beginning of its pivotal role in maintaining law and order in the region.
•     *  On 24th July 1990, the Sector was re-designated as the North-Western Zone, reflecting its expanded scope and responsibilities due to terrorism in Punjab and militancy in J&K.
•     *  On 1^st October, 2004 it was again reverted as North-West Sector headed by IG with it’s declared headquarters at Hallomajra, Chandigarh, to oversee both administrative tasks and field operations.
•    * The Sector operates under the Special Director General, Jammu and Kashmir Zone, and is responsible for both administrative and operational activities, ensuring effective field operations in challenging and sensitive regions.

This journey highlights the Sector's evolution from a purely operational unit to a comprehensive administrative and operational entity, contributing significantly to the CRPF's mission of ensuring national security and public order.

Operational Responsibilities of North West Sector, CRPF

The North West Sector (NWS) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the security and stability of its operational area. Tasked with safeguarding peace and maintaining law and order, the Sector effectively manages critical operational responsibilities in some of India's most sensitive and strategically important regions.

The operational jurisdiction of the North West Sector spans:

• * Punjab: Known for its vibrant culture and historical significance, Punjab also faces challenges related to cross-border security and internal law and order issues. NWS-CRPF plays a crucial role in countering potential threats and assisting local authorities in maintaining peace.
• * Himachal Pradesh: The Sector operates in this hill state to ensure security in areas of strategic importance, including those frequented by tourists and pilgrims.
• * Union Territory of Chandigarh: As a shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh demands a proactive approach to security, and NWS-CRPF ensures its robust coverage.
• * Haryana (excluding the districts of Gurugram and Faridabad): NWS oversees operations in this rapidly developing state, addressing law and order challenges that arise due to its urbanization and industrial growth.

Operational and Administrative Structure of North West Sector, CRPF

The North West Sector (NWS) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) functions with a well-organized hierarchy of subordinate offices to effectively manage its expansive responsibilities. The Sector oversees Operational and Administrative responsibilities of the following subordinate establishments:

• * 01 Range Headquarter : Chandigarh Range Headquarter provides direct oversight and coordination for operational and administrative tasks within the Sector's area of responsibility.
• * 02 Group Centres: Group Centre Pinjore and Jalandhar serve as crucial hubs for logistical support, training, and administrative functions, ensuring seamless operational readiness. Also acts as foster GCs for affiliated units and family station for personnel posted in Units.
• * 10 Administrative Units: These units are mainly responsible for various operational duties in their area of responsibility and administrative duties, enabling smooth execution of the Sector's mandate.

The operational structure of this Sector comprises:

1. Field Units:
   • 13 Battalion
   • 51 Battalion
   • 245 Battalion
2. Additional Operational Elements:
   • Companies from the 220 VIP Security Battalion
   • 221 and 244  Battalion VIP Security Squad
   • TOT School, Dharampur, Himachal Pradesh

This setup highlights the diverse operational responsibilities, ranging from battalion-level deployments to specialized roles in VIP security and training operations.

Central Sports Teams Management :

• * The Sector HQr is responsible for the training, logistic support, and overall management of the following 04 Central Sports Teams stationed at its campus, out of 02 are stationed at it’s campus and another 02 in Group Centre, Jalandhar. These teams, representing the CRPF in various national and international sports events, receive dedicated support for their preparation and well-being.
• 1. Central Football Team        -   Located at Group Centre, CRPF, Jalandhar
• 2. Central Hockey Team
• 3. Central Basketball Team     -   Located at 51 Bn CRPF, Hallomajra, Chandigarh.
• 4. Central Watersports Team

From Visionary Leadership to Sustained Excellence:

The First Inspector General of Police of the North West Sector, CRPF, was the illustrious Shri K.P.S. Gill, IPS, whose leadership laid the foundation for the Sector's operational excellence.  He took over charge of the Sector on 23^rd  July,1986.

Presently, Shri Dinesh Uniyal, Inspector General of Police, is shouldering the responsibility of leading the North West Sector, CRPF w.e.f. 07^th  February, 2024 to its administrative and operational objectives.

25 Esteemed IGPs have shaped the Legacy of North West Sector, CRPF in between this period. List of our commanders is as follows :-

Operational and Administrative Deployment of North West Sector, CRPF

The North West Sector, CRPF, oversees a wide network of units under its operational and administrative control, ensuring effective deployment across diverse terrains and challenges:

Operational Control

• *The Sector has three battalions under its operational command: 13 Bn, 51 Bn, and 245 Bn.

Administrative Control

The Sector administers units deployed in various strategic locations across the country:

• * 07 Units in Jammu and Kashmir: Contributing to the ongoing security operations in the region.
• * 02 Units in Punjab: Supporting state efforts in maintaining peace and countering emerging challenges.
• * 01 Unit in Chandigarh (Union Territory): Providing security and maintaining law and order in the capital city.

This comprehensive deployment underlines the Sector’s vital role in addressing security challenges across varied regions while maintaining administrative efficiency.