Aapda Mitra Volunteers Training Programme – Chandigarh
9 June 2023
The Aapda Mitra Scheme was formally inaugurated on 9th June, 2023, by Deputy Commissioner Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh, in Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Chandigarh. The training involved the participants from the diverse backgrounds. The AAPDA MITRA SCHEME is a groundbreaking initiative that recognizes a crucial role played by the citizens in the disaster management. The Chandigarh Administration aims to enhance the disaster management preparedness at the community level. By training and engaging the volunteers as AAPDA MITRAs, the programme will enable them to contribute effectively in disaster response and recovery operations. Through this comprehensive training, the AAPDA MITRAs will acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to assess risks, provide immediate assistance, and support the local administration in managing the emergencies.
Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh, IAS, DC, Chandigarh; Mr. Sanjeev Kohli, Civil Defence Instructor; Col. Dalbir Singh, GM (Training) cum Head, CDM, MGSIPA; Ms. Nitika Singla, DM Professional, MGSIPA; Sh. SK Sharma, Visiting Professor alongwith other Chandigarh Administration Officials & faculty members and 120 volunteers were present during the inauguration session cum launch ceremony of Aapda Mitra Training in Chandigarh.
A lamp lighting ceremony was held to mark the occasion by DC, Chandigarh, Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh, IAS as a powerful symbol of unity, remembrance, and hope. During the ceremony, DC Chandigarh along with other dignitaries and participants, come together to light candles as a gesture of solidarity and reflection. The act of lamp lighting represents the illumination of darkness, bringing light and warmth into the lives of those affected by challenging circumstances or tragic events.
Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh, IAS addressed the participants that the District Administration has made elaborate arrangements for conducting this 12-day training programme by attracting participation of dedicated community volunteers from different segments of the programme. He said that the Aapda Mitras will serve as the bridge between our administration and the community, ensuring a seamless coordination and prompt response in times of need. The Aapda Mitras, will be the everyday heroes, armed with knowledge, skills, and compassion to respond effectively during disaster related emergencies. While addressing the gathering regarding Chandigarh’s earthquake vulnerability, DC paid emphasis that every participant should receive practical trainings on Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue. Setting the tone and context of the training programme, he urged all Aapda Mitra Chandigarh Trainees to embrace the Aapda Mitra training program wholeheartedly.
Col. Dalbir in his address revealed that the focus of the scheme is to identify and train community volunteers to build their capacity for mitigating disasters. The volunteers will be trained to respond to the immediate needs of the community during emergency situations like floods, earthquakes, he added. He said that the volunteers will undergo 12 days rigorous training in batches of 35 each in basic skills with focus on early warning systems, evacuation procedures, flood rescue, earthquake and fire safety, life-saving skills, community based first aid, sight management of disaster and rehabilitation.
The launch of the AAPDA MITRA SCHEME Chandigarh marks an important milestone in the field of disaster management in Chandigarh. It signifies the collective commitment of the organising team and the citizens of Chandigarh to build a resilient and prepared community.
