New Delhi: The National Security Guard is planning to give its “Black Cat” commandos lighter and more comfortable uniforms for VIP protection duty. The change comes after a commando reportedly fainted while working in extreme heat, raising concern about the heavy clothing and equipment they have to wear for long hours.
The trigger was an incident in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, in April, when a commando deployed with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s close-protection detail reportedly fainted as temperatures approached 44 degrees Celsius. Footage of the episode, shared widely online, showed the personnel collapsing while standing near Naidu during a media interaction; fellow security staff immediately stepped in and kept him from hitting the ground.
The incident worried senior NSG officers, especially those handling the Close Protection Force. They reviewed the difficulties faced by commandos who have to stand outdoors for long periods in very hot weather while wearing heavy protective gear.
New Fabric May Help
The NSG’s current black uniform absorbs a lot of heat. Commandos also wear bulletproof jackets that weigh around six kilograms, along with black berets, sunglasses, firearms and communication equipment. Carrying all this in high temperatures can make them tired quickly and increase the risk of heat-related health problems.
After studying the issue, the force has suggested uniforms made from a special fabric called nyco, a mix of nylon and cotton. “Nyco allows air and moisture vapour to pass through freely, helping keep the wearer cool,” a source said. The fabric is expected to be more suitable for long duty hours in hot and humid conditions, as reported by The New Indian Express.
Nyco is already used by the Central Reserve Police Force’s CoBRA commandos, who often work in forests and difficult weather conditions. Trials for the proposed NSG uniform have reportedly been completed, and the force is expected to buy the material soon.
Before Assembly Elections
The NSG wants its commandos to receive the new uniforms before assembly elections are announced in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa. Many leaders protected by the NSG are likely to take part in long campaign events, which could mean more outdoor duty in the heat.
The NSG currently gives Z-plus security to nine important political leaders and public figures. These include Naidu, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, former Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.
The NSG is a federal force responsible for counter-terrorism, anti-hijacking and VIP security. Its VIP protection work is handled by two units, the 12 and 13 Special Ranger Groups. Commandos are selected from different central armed police forces and receive special training before being posted on protection duty.