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Time of India
11 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Training prog for civil defence volunteers kicks off in UT
1 2 3 Chandigarh: Punjab Governor and Union Territory Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria formally inaugurated the Civil Defence Volunteer Training Programme at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA) on Saturday. The inauguration also marked the beginning of the programme's first batch of volunteers. Deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav welcomed the volunteers with a heartfelt address, assuring full support from the Chandigarh administration. He reflected on the overwhelming public response to the initiative launched post Operation Sindoor, where a modest registration camp at Tagore Theatre on May 10 drew an unexpected crowd of over 5,000 citizens, far surpassing the anticipated 800. This surge of civic enthusiasm led to the selection of 1,600 volunteers from a pool of 7,300 registrants for the first phase of training. These volunteers will be trained in four batches of 400, undergoing a six-day intensive programme that includes sessions at MGSIPA, the fire department, Western Command Army, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Looking ahead, a valedictory ceremony in mid-July will celebrate the volunteers' commitment, where they will receive certificates, uniforms, and ID cards. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] - 2025 Top Trending Search - Local network access Esseps Learn More Undo The city's civil defence structure will be organized into a pyramid command system, ensuring efficient localised disaster management. At the top will be the chief controller, followed by chief wardens, deputy chief wardens, post wardens, sector wardens, and finally the wardens, who will directly oversee the volunteers. Home secretary Mandip Brar emphasized the importance of proactive preparedness, saying, "What truly defines a city is not just how it responds to a disaster, but how prepared it is before the disaster strikes." Kataria urged citizens to embrace the spirit of responsibility, resilience, and readiness, encouraging enthusiastic participation and execution of duties when needed. Volunteers took a solemn pledge, echoing the civil defence motto: "Working for the benefit of all." Among the many inspired citizens is Monika Thakur, a resident of Sector 20, who discovered the programme through Instagram. Driven by a sense of duty, she stepped forward to contribute to the safety and security of her city.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Chandigarh administration to train 1,600 civil defence volunteers for emergency, disaster preparedness
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.
