Maharashtra: From unit in sidelines, Civil Defence branch back in spotlight with mock drills
The unit that had been unofficially scrapped a few years ago was revived by its incumbent Prabhat Kumar in the past few years
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The unit that has over 150 salaried officials and 10,000 volunteers across the state will be carrying out mock drills at around 16 spots across Maharashtra on Wednesday (Express)THE DIRECTORATE of Civil Defence, a little known part of the state administration rumoured to have sprung into independent existence as the government was looking for newer posts to sideline officers to, was suddenly in the spotlight after the Centre sought mock drills to be carried out by civil defence forces across several states.
The unit that had been unofficially scrapped a few years ago was revived by its incumbent Prabhat Kumar in the past few years. The unit that has over 150 salaried officials and 10,000 volunteers across the state will be carrying out mock drills at around 16 spots across Maharashtra on Wednesday.
“In Mumbai, the main mock drill will be carried out at Cross Maidan in south Mumbai on Wednesday evening. Those gathered will be given training on what to do in case of a war like situation,” Kumar said.
The officer added that several people from various walks of life like doctors, engineers have volunteered for the service.
“In all, across Maharashtra, there will be 10000 volunteers who will be trained to deal with a war like situation,” the officer added.
Both the Civil Defence and Home Guards are volunteer forces that had been set up in the late 60’s in the wake of Chinese aggression in 1962 and the India-Pakistan conflict in 1965.
While Home Guards is supposed to be an auxiliary force to the police where volunteers get uniforms and are paid around Rs 1,400 per day, Civil Defence is not meant to assist the police, does not have a uniform and is paid Rs 150 per day.
“Majority of those who volunteer for Civil Defence are doctors, engineers among others who want to give back to society. They are primarily involved in first aid or fire fighting. Our volunteers are also involved in rescue work in case of building collapses,” the officer added.
There are a total of 12 sub heads like first aid, rescue under which those volunteering for civil defence are trained in and given certificates for the same.
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