‘Aapda Mitra’ volunteers training programme concludes at Jammu

JAMMU, April 29: The ‘Aapda Mitra’ volunteers training programme concluded today at SDRF 2nd Bn. Headquarters here.

The training programme was organized under “Upscaling of Aapda Mitra”, a Government of India sponsored scheme.

The concluding ceremony of the training programme was graced by Secretary DMRRR, Nazim Zai Khan; Special Secretary DMRR&R, Suraj Parkash Rukwal; Relief Commissioner Migrant, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha and other senior officers of SDRF, J&K.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary appreciated all the resource persons and trainees for their active participation and involvement in the training. He briefed that the target given by the central government under centrally sponsored “Upscaling of Aapda Mitra Scheme” for imparting training to 2100 Aapda Mitra Volunteers has been successfully achieved by the J&K(UT). He also appreciated the role of SDRF J&K to make the said training successful well in time.

The Secretary further highlighted that the significance of this training programme was a proactive approach for disaster management and its overall focus was on recognizing the community as an important stakeholder, strengthening its involvement and reinforcing the bond between the district authority and the community for a more effective Disaster Management Programme. He added that the volunteers have to play an important and responsible role in the disaster management in their respective areas.

Addressing the gathering, Commandant SDRF 2nd Bn. Jammu, Atul Sharma, elaborated the participants through a presentation about the Disaster Management skills imparted to the Aapda Mitra volunteers who were sensitized about different aspects of Disaster Management trainings including Water Rescue and Mountaineering, Rescue training by resource persons from SDRF, experts from Fire & Emergency Services department and Police MRT team. He also acquainted the Aapda Mitra Volunteers that a whatsapp group for all these trained Aapda Mitra volunteers is going to be started for the purpose of disaster management, mitigation, rescue & relief as first responder, for which they may contact their concerned district SDRF components.