First batch of 150 civil defence volunteers completes training

The first batch of volunteers have completed their civil defence training in the city. The civil defence training programme, an initiative of the UT Administration, marked a pivotal advancement in the region’s disaster preparedness framework and community resilience strategy.

The comprehensive training initiative witnessed the participation of over 150 volunteers in its first batch, reflecting strong civic engagement and institutional coordination.

A landmark feature of the programme was the first-ever visit by the civil defence volunteers to the Chandimandir Cantonment. Participants engaged in intensive, hands-on training exercises under the expert supervision of senior military officials. These high-impact drills replicated real-world emergency scenarios such as natural calamities, fire outbreaks, and evacuation procedures. The practical experience significantly enhanced the volunteers’ operational acumen, instilling in them the values of discipline, precision, and prompt response in high-pressure situations.

Preceding the field engagement, volunteers underwent rigorous academic training at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Sector 26, Chandigarh. Designed by domain experts, the curriculum encompassed critical areas of civil defence, including disaster management protocols, emergency communication strategies, first aid, and effective coordination with civic authorities. Delivered by an experienced faculty, the sessions were enriched through interactive modules, case studies, and simulation-based learning—providing trainees with a near-authentic operational environment.

Lauding the initiative as a significant stride toward building a resilient and self-reliant Chandigarh, Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav stated: “The training programme reflects our collective resolve to transform ordinary citizens into capable first responders. In the face of increasing natural disasters, urban emergencies, and climate-related vulnerabilities, civil defence is no longer an auxiliary function—it is a cornerstone of modern governance. By empowering volunteers with specialised skills and structured exposure, we are not just preparing for emergencies; we are strengthening the very fabric of our society. Their active engagement shows that civic responsibility is thriving in our city.”

The trained individuals will now serve as force multipliers, bridging the gap between the Administration and the community in critical situations, he said.

Chandigarh