Dehradun: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious plan to make 4,310 youth from Uttarakhand into youth disaster friends was launched on Friday under the Yuva Aapda Mitra Yojana. Volunteers from the NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra, and Bharat Scouts and Guides will be provided disaster management training under the scheme.
On Friday, a seven-day training for 50 NCC cadets began at Gurukul Kangri University in Haridwar. The camp was inaugurated by Brigadier Prabhat Bhandari, Group Commander, NCC, Roorkee.
Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman, stated that the Yuva Aapda Mitra Yojana has been implemented in 11 hilly districts of Uttarakhand. Under the scheme, 1,700 NCC volunteers, 910 Bharat Scouts and Guides volunteers, and 850 NSS and Nehru Yuva Kendra volunteers are to be trained. He stated that the Yuva Aapda Mitra Yojana is a visionary initiative by Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to empower and train the youth of Uttarakhand in the field of disaster management. This scheme will not only strengthen the state’s disaster preparedness but will also foster a new culture of awareness and preparedness in society.
Uttarakhand is a geographically sensitive state, where disasters like earthquakes, landslides, cloudbursts, and forest fires pose challenges from time to time. Therefore, if trained and dedicated young Aapda Mitra are available in every village and neighborhood, the impact of disasters can be significantly reduced. This scheme will not only train youth but also inspire them to develop social responsibility, a spirit of service, and leadership qualities. Addressing the cadets at the training camp, Brigadier Prabhat Bhandari said that the NCC has always been at the forefront of nation-building, and through this training, our cadets will become skilled first-responders during disasters. This seven-day training will not only provide our cadets with technical skills but will also strengthen their spirit of service to humanity.
During the training, District Disaster Management Officer, Mrs. Meera Rawat, provided detailed information to the volunteers about disaster management. She explained the Disaster Management Act and the role of Disaster Mitras. Master Trainer Manoj Kandyal provided information on disaster preparedness in the second session of the training. Colonel Gaurav Prasad Naugai was present.
Information will be provided on every aspect of disaster management.
Volunteers will be trained in disaster preparedness, earthquake, flood, landslide, drought, and heat wave response, as well as search and rescue, load-lifting, community-based health and first aid, initial life support, and how to respond during chemical, biological, and radiological emergencies.
