800 volunteers will be trained in 7 districts of the state under 'Apada Mitra' Volunteer Scheme for Disaster Preparedness
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, August 5, 2022
800 volunteers will be trained in 7 districts of the state under 'Apada Mitra' volunteer scheme for disaster preparedness. Principal Secretary Punit Agarwal gave this news yesterday in a press conference at the Secretariat while highlighting various preparatory issues related to disaster management. He said that the State Disaster Management Authority is working under the leadership of the Chief Minister to prepare for the disaster. The Emergency Operation Center is working 24 hours for the direction, control, coordination, management in this regard. The state government has constituted a four-company State Disaster Response Force under the NDRF.
Shri Aggarwal also said that civil defense volunteers are working in all the districts. 1,250 people have been trained at various levels. Apada Mitra' volunteer scheme is being implemented in the state. In this central project, 800 volunteers will be trained in 7 districts of the state. So far 250 Apda Mitra volunteers have been trained. Every district has been given guidelines for engagement of community volunteers by the revenue department for regular disaster response. Community volunteers will get an honorarium of Rs 200 per day. Initiatives have been taken to introduce ham radio as an alternative communication system. The first ham radio station in Agartala will be officially inaugurated soon. 1500 officials and volunteers have been trained to conduct ham radio activities.
Shri Aggarwal also said that on the third Saturday of every month, drills are being held in every school to avoid earthquake disasters. The School Education Department has been conducting drills, trainings, discussions etc. among the students to raise awareness about the disaster. Revenue Department Additional Secretary Anindya Bhattacharya, Pradeep Acharya and State Nodal Officer Sarat Das were present in the press conference.