Exercise to be made mandatory for Homeguards

In order to ensure that Homeguard volunteers are physically and mentally prepared to face any disaster, state’s Homeguards and Civil Defence Department has decided to make physical exercise be made mandatory in Refresher Courses.This was decided during a Commandant’s conference that was held in the Homeguards Headquarters in Shimla.

Arvind Parashar, Deputy Commandant General, Homeguards and Civil Defense Departement said, “The 62nd Home Guard and Civil Defense State-Level Raising Day will be celebrated on December 6, at the historic Ridge Ground in Shimla. On this occasion, a Commandant''s conference was held here today.”

During the conference, commanders from all units presented their plans related to the unit's infrastructure, disaster management, and improvements in training levels. A framework was also developed for the activities to be undertaken in the new year, including a roadmap for disaster response, enhancing the training facilities of the units, and improving the overall training standards.

He also said that awareness campaigns are being launched to educate the public, and in the next five years, 70,000 individuals will be trained in civil defence. On the occasion of Home Guard Raising Day, from December 6 to January 6, a 'Selfless Service Month' will be observed, focusing on the theme 'Safe Himachal'.

“During this period, all three SDRF companies will collaborate with Home Guards to conduct Disaster Risk Management Programs, baseline surveys, community awareness workshops, and volunteer registration and training programs” he said.