Shillong, Dec 5: To strengthen public safety and emergency preparedness the State will expand installation of air raid sirens to the subdivision and block levels.
Director of Civil Defence M.K Sangma made the announcement during the 63rd Raising Day of Civil Defence and Home Guards in CTI Parade Ground, Mawdiangdiang today.
He said with significant advancements made in installation of air raid sirens across all districts, the expansion plan will also materialise with the approval for procurement under the Preparedness and Capacity Building Scheme (P&CB) of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
Sangma informed that the Central Training Institute of Civil Defence and Home Guards, Meghalaya was selected as one amongst 17 CTIs in the country to implement this scheme and successfully trained 34 Master Trainers under Phase I of the Central Scheme for Training and Capacity Building of Civil Defence that include 16 Master Trainers from Tripura and 2 Master Trainers from Mizoram apart from 18 Master Trainers from the State.
He added that the Civil Defence offices in seven districts of the state are engaged in training the fourth batch of Civil Defence Volunteers and Wardens under Phase II of the centrally-sponsored scheme which has a target of training 360 CD Volunteers and Wardens by the end of this month.
Sangma informed about the successful completion of the recruitment process for 445 posts, including sub-inspectors, guardsmen, drivers and non-combatant staff in record time and the first ever Rozgar Mela.
With the approval on restructuring the SDRF and Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) as a semi-volunteer force to strengthen the State’s disaster response capacity, Sangma said the subsumption of 708 permanent posts of the BWHG into two Battalions of SDRF, consisting of 304 personnel each, will be organised. He said that the first SDRF Battalion based in Shillong will cater to the Eastern Range and the second Battalion based in Tura will cover the Western Range.
He informed that the Director of Civil Defence will lead the SDRF as its Inspector General and the Joint Director of Civil Defence to assist him as the Deputy Inspector General of SDRF.
Sangma stated that the organisation will continue to build and upgrade office complexes and training facilities across the state, including the new office building for Civil Defence & Home Guards at Jowai, which will serve as a modern hub for administration, training and coordination. Plans are afoot to construct a permanent office building of the Directorate of Civil Defence and Home Guards at the Department’s land in Mawkasiang, he said.
The Director highlighted the Civil Defence & Home Guards continued efforts in capacity-building, disaster preparedness, emergency management, community assistance and community safety in Meghalaya. He praised officers, volunteers and the SDRF for their courage and commitment and also stressed the importance of community-based training, awareness and community capacity-building, youth participation, students, teachers, NGOs, government officials and strong partnerships with local institutions to build a resilient society.
He noted the growing challenges posed by climate change, urbanization and technological shifts, and highlighted the evolving role of Civil Defence and Home Guards in addressing multi-hazard emergencies.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the President’s Meritorious Service Medal to Prafulla Basumatry, Havildar, Border Wing Home Guards Battalion, Shillong.
The DG Disc & Commendation Certificate New Delhi, 2024 (Gold, Bronze, and Silver) was presented to five recipients to honour their distinguished service, dedication, and outstanding contributions to the organisation.
The Director General of Civil Defence & Home Guards, Meghalaya Commendation Certificate, 2025 was also presented to personnel who demonstrated exceptional professionalism, discipline, and service excellence within the state.
The event also featured a dynamic Demonstration by the SDRF, showcasing skills in rescue operations, disaster mitigation techniques, and rapid response mechanisms, followed by a band display.
