Training of community volunteers on disaster response under the scheme “Upscaling Aapda Mitra” for East Khasi Hills was launched today by D Phawa, Additional Deputy Commissioner and CEO of the District Disaster Management Authority.
The Upscaling Aapda Mitra scheme, implemented and funded by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in partnership with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), will see 200 community volunteers drawn from various localities, Bharat Scouts and Guides, colleges, etc will be trained on disaster response.
In her inaugural address, Phawa said that the aim of the scheme is to develop the capacity and skills of the community volunteers, who are the first responders during any disaster so that they can deal with crises in a pragmatic manner.
As part of the scheme, Phawa informed that the DDMA will conduct training in six batches and each batch will accommodate 30-35 community volunteers.
The training will be imparted by resource persons from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and experts from other departments, like Fire and Emergency Services.
After completion of the training, the community volunteers will be provided with protective equipment, emergency responder kits comprising of life jackets, torches or emergency lights, safety gloves, pocket knife, first aid kit, gas lighter, whistle, water bottle, rucksack, mosquito net, NDMA-branded clothing, gumboots, safety goggles and safety helmet.
