Haroli, October 9:- Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri attended the first Annual Meet-2026 of the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) as the chief guest on Friday at the Himachal Pradesh Centre of Disaster Preparedness and Resilience in Palakwah.
On the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the institution at Palakwah would establish its own distinct identity in the coming years. The state government would provide all possible financial assistance for the development and expansion of its campus. Efforts would be made to develop the campus into a national-level training centre in the future, attracting personnel from other states of the country for training. He said that, along with improving training facilities, work should also be undertaken to organise national-level training programmes and parades at the centre.
Mukesh Agnihotri said that there was a plan to construct an indoor stadium at the SDRF campus. Efforts would also be made to develop a sports ground with the support of the local panchayat so that young people could be encouraged to participate in sports activities. He said SDRF personnel reach remote areas of the state to assist people during disasters. Therefore, it was important to establish better coordination with local residents and involve them in disaster management activities so that they could also assist in rescue operations whenever required.
Efforts to Be Made to Secure Recognition for Training Certificates
The Deputy Chief Minister told SDRF officials that, along with providing disaster management training to young people, efforts should also be made to make their training certificates more useful. He directed that a proposal be prepared to explore the possibility of granting recognition to certificates awarded to young people trained by the SDRF on the lines of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the National Service Scheme (NSS). He said that awareness and training in disaster management could prepare more people to respond effectively during emergencies.
Website and Inventory Management System Launched
During the programme, the SDRF’s inventory management system and official website were launched. A documentary highlighting the SDRF’s activities and rescue operations during the Manimahesh Yatra was also released. Citizens who helped save lives during disasters and assisted the SDRF in relief and rescue operations were honoured.
During the event, the Deputy Chief Minister inspected the equipment displayed by the SDRF and witnessed disaster rescue demonstrations presented by personnel and trainers. He also presented prizes to the winners of the annual sports competitions. The tug-of-war final was held between the Haroli SDRF and Shimla NDRF teams, with the Shimla team emerging victorious.
More Than 150,000 People Trained in Disaster Management Every Year
Commandant General of Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF, Satwant Atwal, highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and stated that more than 150,000 people were being trained every year in the state to deal with disasters. Through this training, people were being prepared to stay safe during emergencies, assist in rescue operations and take necessary action.
Children also participated in the programme. Ranjit Rana, General Secretary of the Pradesh Congress Committee; Sandeep Agnihotri, President of the Haroli Block Congress Committee; Deputy Commandant General of Home Guards Arvind Parashar; SSP SDRF Arjit Sen; Una SP Sachin Hiremath; Home Guards Commandant Hitesh Lakhanpal; along with officers of the SDRF and NDRF and other prominent people, were present on the occasion.
