Equipping local volunteers for emergencies

A crucial three-day disaster risk reduction awareness and training workshop commenced at Government Senior Secondary School, Bagshad, under the Karsog subdivision of Mandi district on Monday. Organised by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Mandi, the workshop aims to equip local volunteers with essential knowledge and skills for effective disaster response. The initiative is being conducted under the chairmanship of Naib Tehsildar Bagshad, Mehr Singh Verma.

More than 60 volunteer trainees from the Gram Panchayats of Bagshad, Shalag, Kanda and Kahanu are actively participating in the workshop. This training is a key component of the district administration’s broader strategy to conduct awareness and preparedness camps across various panchayats, fostering community engagement to mitigate disaster risks.

During the inaugural session, District Coordinator Amarjeet Singh provided comprehensive guidance on disaster preparedness, with a particular focus on earthquakes. He detailed crucial “dos and don’ts” during seismic activity, alongside instructions on safe water usage and purification methods in disaster scenarios. Participants also received practical first aid training. The sessions are designed to cover a wide spectrum of potential disasters, including earthquakes, landslides, floods, forest fires and road accidents, with a strong emphasis on immediate safety protocols and emergency response.

Singh urged all disaster management task force members, youth volunteers, “Aapda Mitras” (disaster friends), women’s groups, self-help groups, youth clubs and panchayat-level disaster management committees to hold local meetings to disseminate awareness. He also advised residents to ensure proper waste and water drainage management before the monsoon season begins, to prevent blockages that could lead to calamitous events.

Furthermore, he informed attendees that the Disaster Management Authority has provided disaster-related equipment to various panchayats. Volunteers were instructed to ensure the proper upkeep of these tools and to maintain updated contact information for responsible persons. Panchayat Secretaries were directed to keep detailed records of essential equipment available within their panchayats, including ropes, shovels, cutters and vehicles.

The DDMA underscored the paramount importance of community coordination during emergencies. Volunteers and task force members were encouraged to remain vigilant and communicate promptly with authorities via the toll-free disaster helpline number 1077.

As part of the training, volunteers are also being educated on safe and earthquake-resistant construction techniques, in addition to administering first aid during emergencies. The workshop’s overarching goal is to foster a robust grassroots-level response system, enabling swift and coordinated action when disasters strike.

The programme will continue over the next two days, with further practical sessions and simulation exercises planned to enhance the volunteers’ readiness.