BARAMULLA, MAY 17: To strengthen community-based disaster preparedness, acknowledge the vital role of volunteers and foster an integrated emergency response system across the district, Civil Defence Kashmir, in collaboration with District Administration Baramulla, today organized an interactive meet with civil defence volunteers at Dak Bungalow, Baramulla.
Director Civil Defence and SDRF Kashmir, Imtiyaz Hussain Mir; Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa; SSP Baramulla, Gurindarpal Singh; Commandant SDRF 1st Battalion Srinagar, Masroor Ahmad Mir; Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Syed Altaf Hussain Musvi, Dy.SP Headquarter Baramulla, Dy SP DAR Baramulla besides large number of volunteers participated.
Addressing the gathering, Director Civil Defence Kashmir highlighted the vital role of civil defence volunteers in exigency situations, including natural calamities, accidents and public emergencies.
“Volunteers are often the first to respond during a crisis. Their swift action, commitment, and coordination with agencies can save lives and reduce damage. Empowering them through training and support remains a top priority,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for regular training programmes, inter-departmental coordination, and enhanced public awareness to improve community resilience.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla appreciated the efforts of civil defence volunteers and announced that the district administration is launching a mass enrollment drive to bring more citizens, especially youth, into the civil defence network.
He urged all eligible individuals to come forward and join this important cause. He said disaster preparedness is not just the responsibility of agencies but of the entire community.
Sherpa also stressed the need for extensive awareness and training programmes to be conducted across urban and rural areas of Baramulla to ensure a well-informed and prepared population.
Other speakers, including senior civil defence officers and local officials, called for stronger coordination between departments, improved logistics for volunteers, and greater community involvement in disaster risk reduction initiatives.
The programme concluded with a strong resolve to enhance disaster preparedness at the grassroots level. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to building a resilient Baramulla through collective action, continuous training, and greater community involvement in civil defence initiatives.
