Una, July 23: Jatin Lal, Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Una, stated that the active participation and awareness of the community, alongside the administration, are crucial for effectively dealing with any disaster. He noted that trained and aware citizens play a vital role as first responders during disasters, significantly minimizing the loss of life and property.
In this context, the Regional Response Centre (RRC) at Nalagarh—operating under the 14th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Nurpur (District Kangra)—organized an online Community Awareness Program (CAP). Twenty-five participants from Una district took part in the program, including youth volunteers, personnel from the DDMA and the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC), and 'Aapda Mitras' (Disaster Friends).
The Deputy Commissioner explained that the program's primary objective was to empower participants with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to respond swiftly, safely, and effectively during disaster situations.
During the online training, NDRF experts provided detailed information on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), basic first aid, important emergency contact numbers, search and rescue techniques, and the basic equipment and resources used in rescue operations. They also briefed participants on the NDRF's structure, infrastructure, and operational procedures, as well as the relief and rescue operations undertaken by the force during various natural and man-made disasters.
Jatin Lal remarked that the local community is the first to shoulder the initial responsibility for relief and rescue during any disaster. In this regard, trained youth volunteers and 'Aapda Mitras' play a significant role by supporting the administration. He stated that such training programs not only enhance community capacity but also build self-confidence among the people, preparing them to act effectively during disasters.
Commending this initiative by the NDRF, he added that the district administration would continue to encourage the organization of such awareness and capacity-building programs in the future, aiming to train as many citizens as possible in disaster management and thereby build a safe and disaster-resilient society.