A six-day state-level flood rescue training programme, being organised by the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, started at Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra on Monday.
As many as 130 volunteers from various departments and 20 master trainers from across the state have reached out to participate in the training programme.
Sanjeev Verma, Commissioner of the Ambala Division, stated that 130 volunteers are being trained to tackle potential disasters within the state.
These volunteers will remain constantly prepared to provide rescue and relief assistance in the event of flooding across the entire region. After the training, the volunteers should share their swimming skills and knowledge with the people in their respective local communities.
Commissioner Sanjeev Verma stated that the country has faced various types of disasters at different times over the years. Among these, floods constitute a significant challenge, and it creates unpredictable situations.
Consequently, the government and the administration undertake periodic preparations to effectively tackle such disasters. In the districts where the administration is well-prepared, the loss of life and property has been prevented to a considerable extent. To save people from losses, such training camps are organised.
The commission further noted that during floods, not only humans but also animals suffer harm. Keeping this in view, departments such as Animal Husbandry, Irrigation, Police, and Health-along with other relevant departments-should be actively involved in these training camps.
In such critical situations, the entire administrative machinery operates through teamwork; therefore, the training itself should be conducted by involving all departments as a cohesive team.
He added that this training camp would provide instruction on methods for self-protection as well as techniques for rescuing others.
Commissioner Ambala Division said each and every trainee who has reached here to participate in the training programme has to take the training seriously. After receiving training from here, they can save someone’s life in case of any disaster.
Saving someone’s life at the time of a disaster is the biggest service to society.
Commissioner Sanjeev Verma instructed the District Ayurveda Officer, Dr Manju Sharma, to organise a yoga camp to maintain the health and well-being of all these participants.
It will help them maintain a high energy level throughout the training period. Effective training requires control over both the mind and body-something that is achievable through yoga, he said.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Vivek Arya urged the participants that, upon completing the six-day training here, they should apprise the Deputy Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners, Sub-Divisional Officers, and other officials in their respective districts of the skills they have acquired. This would ensure that their services can be effectively utilized whenever the need arises.
He further added that every trainee who completes the programme here should share the intricacies of this training with other members of their respective villages, towns, and districts.
District Revenue Officer Chetna Chaudhary informed that the camp would provide training in swimming, rowing, oar-boating, and Red Cross protocols.
Following the training sessions, various competitions will also be organised. Top performers in these competitions will be felicitated, and the district that produces the highest number of winners will be awarded the overall trophy.