Agartala, Dec 6 (NationPress) Chief Minister Manik Saha of Tripura declared on Saturday that the state aims to train 1% of its population as Civil Defence Volunteers (CDF) to enhance disaster response capabilities. Speaking at the 63rd All India Civil Defence and Home Guard Day event held at the Manoranjan Debbarma Smriti Stadium located on the outskirts of Agartala, Saha emphasized that Civil Defence and Home Guard volunteers are crucial in managing disaster situations alongside their humanitarian efforts. Presently, approximately 5,000 trained volunteers are active in the region.

“In addition to the state government’s initiative to train Civil Defence volunteers, the Government of India is launching a project to develop the skills of these volunteers. By March 31, 2026, around 3,000 Civil Defence volunteers will receive training,” he stated.

Training sessions are being routinely conducted at the Central Training Institute and designated training centers across districts. Saha noted a significant increase in the participation of Civil Defence Volunteers, Home Guard, Apda Mitra, and other volunteers in parades this year compared to the last.

“Every year, we observe Civil Defence and Home Guards Day on December 6, honoring the dedication and sacrifices of these volunteers in disaster management and upholding humanity. Your presence brings hope to those in distress, exemplifying true service,” Saha remarked.

The Civil Defence Act was enacted in India in 1968, and Tripura recognized Civil Defence in 1971. Initially under the supervision of the District Magistrate of West Tripura, Civil Defence was transitioned to the Home Department in 2019 and then to the Revenue Department in 2020. Since July 2021, Civil Defence operations have been expanded across all eight districts.

Saha highlighted that each district now has its own Civil Defence Controllers, designated among the Additional District Magistrates and Collectors. Furthermore, the Director of the Department of Relief and Rehabilitation and Disaster Management has been assigned as the state’s Civil Defence Director.

Currently, there are around 2,500 trained Apada Mitra volunteers in Tripura. “Other volunteers, including the Home Guard, are actively participating in disaster management efforts. Civil Defence and Apada Mitra volunteers are consistently involved in control room operations, rescue missions, public awareness campaigns, skill enhancement, and various administrative roles. The state is receiving financial support from the Ministry of Home Affairs to further improve the capabilities of these volunteers. Together, Civil Defence and Apada Mitra volunteers play a vital role in establishing Tripura as a disaster-resilient state,” the Chief Minister concluded.

Present at the event were Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Director General of Police Anurag, and several other distinguished officials.