Chandigarh to hold training programme for 1,600 civil defence volunteers

In a proactive move to build community resilience and augment the city’s preparedness in managing emergencies and disaster situations, the UT Administration is set to launch a large-scale Civil Defence Volunteer Training Programme for 1,600 volunteers.

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The training will be conducted in four structured batches — six days each — at the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Chandigarh, from June 21.

Punjab Governor-cum-UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria will inaugurate the training programme. The initiative by the Chandigarh Administration, in collaboration with the Department of Civil Defence, aims to develop a technically sound and responsive civil defence force that can effectively support the administration during war-like situations, natural or man-made disasters and mass casualty events.

The training will be carried out in three batches to ensure comprehensive coverage and hands-on learning for all volunteers. The curriculum has been specially curated by faculty and trainers from MGSIPA with expertise in public safety, disaster risk reduction and emergency response.

To make the training more realistic and impactful, simulated emergency environments will be created where volunteers will be placed in mock disaster and conflict scenarios.

As a key component of the training, participants will also undertake a field visit to Chandimandir Cantonment, where they will be given exposure to military preparedness, civil-military coordination in wartime conditions and interaction with defence personnel to understand strategic and tactical response mechanisms.

DC Nishant Kumar Yadav has emphasised the importance of having a trained civilian force ready to act as the first line of response during unforeseen disasters or national emergencies.