SHILLONG, Dec 6: As many as 182 Home Guards volunteers and 1,650 Civil Defence volunteers across Meghalaya will be imparted training by the Civil Defence and Home Guards department.
This was announced by Commandant General of Home Guards and Director of Civil Defence, AR Mawthoh, during the celebration of 59th Raising Day of Civil Defence and Home Guards in CTI Parade Ground, Mawdiangdiang.
Enlightening the gathering about the contributions of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Mawthoh said, “The SDRF has been vital in conducting search-and-rescue operations following natural disaster in the state. It was deployed at Rymbai Sorkari, East Jaintia Hills, where six individuals were trapped inside a coal quarry, Nongshram under East Garo Hills where an MTC Bus plunged into the Ringdi River, search and retrieval of bodies during mishaps at Mawdum, Ri Bhoi, Umngot River and Tyniong River in East Khasi Hills, and Ganol River in West Garo Hills, where the victims were swept away by the water current.”
Mawthoh also informed how the department is engaged in capacity-building programmes by imparting training at schools and colleges, and to the general public in Civil Defence and Disaster Management.
Mawryngkneng MLA, Pyniaid Sing Syiem, on the other hand, contended that training on disaster-related subjects imparted by Civil Defence and Home Guards department to community volunteers is all-important.
Syiem, who was the chief guest at the programme, also hailed the on-field contributions of Civil Defence and Home Guards personnel.
“The twin organisations of Civil Defence & Home Guards have, over the years, rendered yeomen’s service to the society. Apart from their regular service like assisting the state police and district administration in maintenance of law and order, guarding VIP residences/government establishments/public sector undertakings etc, these two organisations have played a significant role in providing assistance in many emergencies and whenever any calamity — natural or man-made — has occurred,” he said.
Earlier in the day, medals, cash awards, appreciation certificates, et al, were also distributed.
A similar programme to celebrate the Raising Day was also organised at the District Home Guards Training Centre in Tura, which was attended by Jt. Commandant General of Home Guards and Jt. Director of Civil Defence, MK Sangma, as the chief guest.