By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 5: In a significant step to strengthen Meghalaya’s disaster response capacity, the state government has approved the absorption of Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), aligning with the original sanction by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Post-merger, it will become a semi-volunteer force.
This major reform was announced by Director of Civil Defence & Home Guards MK Sangma during the 63rd Raising Day of the organisation held at Mawdiangdiang on Friday.
Sangma said 708 posts of the BWHG Battalion will be absorbed into two SDRF battalions, each with 354 personnel. The 1st SDRF Battalion will be based in Shillong for the Eastern Range, while the 2nd Battalion will operate from Tura for the Western Range. Under the new structure, the Director of Civil Defence & Home Guards will lead the SDRF as Inspector General, assisted by the Joint Director as Deputy Inspector General.
Sangma said infrastructure upgrades and new leadership positions are essential to building a modern and efficient emergency response system.
He highlighted the department’s growing role in capacity-building, disaster preparedness and community safety. He commended officers, volunteers and the SDRF for their courage in multiple rescue missions, including Operation Abhyaas on May 7 and the November 20 rescue in Tura, where three labourers were saved from debris after a construction-related collapse.
He further mentioned drowning-related retrieval operations in Ganol, Umshing, Sohiong and Umkhen rivers, and the search for a missing couple from Indore at Sohra.
Among key advancements, Sangma announced the installation of air-raid sirens in all districts, with expansion to subdivisions and blocks under the Preparedness and Capacity Building Scheme. The Central Training Institute (CTI) in Meghalaya was recognised among 17 selected CTIs in the country to implement the national training scheme, successfully training 34 Master Trainers under Phase I. Seven district Civil Defence offices are currently training the 4th batch of 360 volunteers and wardens under Phase II.
The department has also completed recruitment for 445 posts, including sub-inspectors, guardsmen, drivers and non-combatant staff, and conducted its first Rozgar Mela.
Sangma further announced infrastructure improvements, including the near-completion of a new Civil Defence & Home Guards office at Jowai and plans for a permanent Directorate office at Mawkasiang. The existing office at Lower Lachumiere operates from the old Horse Shoe Building.
The Director stressed the role of community-based training, youth engagement and partnerships with traditional institutions, NGOs, schools and government agencies to build resilient communities amid growing challenges from climate change, urbanisation and technological shifts.
“Ordinary citizens, when trained, organised and inspired, can do extraordinary things for their community,” he said.
The event featured a Review Parade, SDRF demonstration, and band display. The highlights included the presentation of the President’s Meritorious Service Medal to Havildar Prafulla Basumatary, and the DG Disc & Commendation Certificates (Gold, Silver and Bronze) to five recipients. The DG, Civil Defence & Home Guards, Meghalaya Commendation Certificate 2025 was also awarded to selected personnel.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by B Warjri, Commandant, CTI.
