Aapda Mitras play vital role in saving lives during disaster: Shimla DC

Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap today said that Aapda Mitras (disaster friends) played a big role in saving lives in the time of a disaster. He chaired a meeting with Aapda Mitras here and distributed disaster kits to all of them. “We should work for the welfare of society while discharging our responsibilities. Aapda Mitras are an integral part of the district administration. The young generation is being trained so that people can get better facilities in the time of a disaster and rescue operations can be expedited,” he added.

Kashyap said that Aapda Mitras had to develop his thinking and determination along with becoming proficient in social service. The National Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with the Central Government was running the initiative to ensure a rapid response during the “golden hour” of a disaster. Trained Aapda Mitras work with the local authorities to ensure swift and effective relief operations.

The aim of the Aapda Mitra scheme is to train local citizens and prepare them as a “first response team” during disasters. The scheme is particularly important in areas prone to natural disasters such as landslides, heavy rainfall, snowfall and earthquakes. The youth and volunteers are trained in essential techniques such as search and rescue, first aid, crowd management and safe evacuation.

Kashyap said that the plan was meant to increase community awareness about disasters, reduce the loss of lives and property and foster a sense of self-reliance. Overall, it was an important step towards making Shimla a safer, more prepared and resilient city, he added.

Aapda Mitras Bharti, Kuldeep Sharma, Jyon Mishra, Nitish, Sarthak Chauhan, Vishal Thakur, Mayank Bhardwaj, Sahil Thakur, Aparajita, Neelakshi, Meenakshi, Aparajita, Meenakshi, Khushboo, Jyoti, Lakshmi attended the meeting.