Chandigarh administration to train 1,600 civil defence volunteers for emergency, disaster preparedness

Indian Express

3 days ago

A total of 1,600 volunteers will be trained in multiple batches for emergency and disaster preparedness by the Chandigarh Administration at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Chandigarh, from June 21.
Under an extensive civil defence volunteer training programme, the initiative — a collaborative effort with the Department of Civil Defence — aims to create a technically trained and responsive volunteer force capable of assisting during emergencies ranging from natural disasters and pandemics to war-like situations and other critical incidents, an official of the administration said.
The training will be formally inaugurated by the Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria.
The six-day training sessions, conducted in four structured batches, have been carefully curated by expert faculty to include both theoretical learning and practical field experience. Volunteers will receive in-depth exposure to key aspects of disaster management, including risk mitigation strategies, search and rescue operations, evacuation techniques, first aid and triage, emergency communication, fire safety, and shelter management.
What sets this initiative apart is its emphasis on realism and action-based learning. Simulated disaster environments will be created where volunteers will engage in mock drills replicating real-life crisis situations such as building collapses, fire outbreaks, and mass casualty events. These immersive exercises are designed to build confidence, enhance decision-making under pressure, and improve coordination with professional emergency responders. The training will also focus on psychological first aid and crowd management — skills that are vital during large-scale emergencies when public distress is high and timely intervention is critical.
A significant component of the programme includes a field visit to Chandimandir Cantonment, offering volunteers a unique opportunity to interact with defence personnel and gain firsthand insights into military preparedness and civil-military coordination. This visit is expected to deepen their understanding of strategic response mechanisms in wartime scenarios and reinforce the importance of disciplined, coordinated action during crises.
The training programme reflects the broader national vision of Jan Bhagidari, or public participation, promoted by the Government of India. 'By empowering citizens to act as community first responders, the administration is fostering a sense of collective responsibility and equipping the public with essential life-saving skills. The volunteers trained through this initiative will serve as a critical support system for the administration, particularly during the initial hours of any emergency, when immediate professional help may be limited or delayed,' the official added.
Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh Nishant Kumar Yadav has underlined the importance of building a prepared civilian task force to support government efforts during disasters.
'Having a well-trained team of civil defence volunteers can significantly improve the city's capacity to manage crises effectively, ensure timely relief, and reduce casualties. Such programmes not only strengthen institutional preparedness but also promote a culture of awareness, readiness, and resilience among citizens,' Yadav added.