Kathua admin distributes kits among newly trained ‘Aapda Mitra’ volunteers

KATHUA: Kathua administration today distributed ‘Disaster Response Kits’ among the newly trained ‘Aapda Mitra’ who will serve as first responder role in wake of any disaster in the district. As many as 200 ‘Aapda Mitra’ have undergone 12 days training at Central Training Institute (HG, CD, SDRF) Kot Bhalwal, Jammu.

The brief ceremony held at Conference hall of DC Office complex, wherein Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rahul Pandey gave away disaster kits, certificate of participation, I-Card and a T-Shirts among the newly trained ‘Aapda Mitra’ volunteers. District Disaster Officer Suninderjit Kaur ( Tehsildar HQ) was also present.

While interacting with the ‘Aapda Mitra’, the DC Kathua impressed upon them to utilize their acquired knowledge during disasters scenarios happened and can play quintessential role of first responder in mitigating the impact besides helping in rescue and relief efforts in disaster hit areas. He said district administration has deputed these Aapda Mitra volunteers for undergoing special training under the Government of India’s sponsored scheme “Upscaling of Aapda Mitra” wherein volunteers were sensitised about different aspects of disaster management.

Pertinently, 12 Days training of Aapda Mitra at Central Training Institute (HG, CD, SDRF) concluded at Kot Bhalwal, Jammu where these volunteers were given training on water rescue and mountaineering rescue besides imparting other skills like fire-fighting, flood rope crossing, rappelling, climbing and rescue from higher buildings.