Jammu :::: Home-Guard/Civil Defence Raising Day celebrated

Jammu, December 06, (Scoop News)-Additional Director General of Police (Coordination), P. L. Gupta while highlighting the role of Home Guard and Civil Defence volunteers in all situations has emphasised the need for adequate preparedness to deal with various disasters and other exigencies in the State. Gupta was speaking at a function organised by Home Guards and Civil Defence Organization on 51st Raising Day here today. He recalled certain natural disasters of recent past and explained how preparation could make a huge difference in terms of casualties of precious human lives. Stating that J&K state falls in seismic zone 4&5, and having its 13 district Headquarters declared as multi hazardous by Government of India, therefore the need of harmonising between capacity building and frequency of disasters was immensely desired. Gupta, commended the Home Guard/Civil Defence volunteers for their outstanding work during earthquakes in Valley and Doda region. He also referred to recognition of their contribution on the occasions like Shri Amar NathJi Yatra, Hajj pilgrimage, fairs, festivals and emergencies like flash floods and accidents. ADGP also recalled the significance of role of Home Guard volunteers raised after Chinese aggression of 1962 in hot war situations and their contribution in creating awareness amongst people about responses to serious situations. Further, he referred to emerging trends of climatic change, melting of glaciers, flash floods etc. which posed serious challenges before society. On this occasion, an impressive parade was held by the contingents of SDRF, Home guards and Civil Defence volunteers, followed by mock drill. The function was witnessed by a large number of people from all walks of life. Earlier, in his welcome address, the Inspector General of Police, (Armed/IRP) Jammu, P. R. Manhas, read out the Raising Day Messages of President of India, Union Home Minister, Governor, Chief Minister, Home Secretary and the DGP on the occasion. He gave a detailed resume of the activities of the Organisation conducted at district headquarters, towns, tehsils and block level during the year. He said that a large number of people participated in these programmes, training camps and were made aware about the precautionary measures to be taken during disasters. Manhas also disclosed that presently more than 7,000 CD volunteers are active in the field across the State. In the times of peace the volunteers have been helping the civil administration in enforcing their developmental and other programmes. He said during the year 2013, the Organization conduced 189 awareness camps in various parts of the State and demonstration programmes on disaster preparedness. Besides, the Organization organised special training camps for CD workers and trained 6965 volunteers. 425 personnel from State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were also underwent various rescue and disaster management training. Among others, the function was attended by MLC, Jehangir Mir, DG. Prisons, K Rajendra Kumar, ADsGP, SP Vaid and SM Sahai, former DsGP, MM Khajuria and AC Chatervadi, IGP (Personnel), Arun Kumar, DIsGP, Shyam Lal, Mubarak Ahmed Ganai, Shakeel Ahmed Baig, SSsP Vijay Singh Samyal and Nissar Ahmed, senior retired police officers, Chief Warden, Jugal Mahajan, prominent citizens and civil defence Wardens and Volunteers and other police officers. http://scoopnews.in/det.aspx?q=33930