ADC, Chiephobozou, Alemyapang Longchar with officials, trainees and participants during the inaugural programme of Civil Defence Volunteers training held at the Conference Hall, Agriland Building, Kohima. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, November 19 (MExN): The Civil Defence Volunteers Training programme commences across Nagaland on November 18. The training is organised by Department of Home Guards, Civil Defence and Disaster Response Force Nagaland and funded by Directorate General of Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards, Ministry of Home affairs, Government of India. The training will culminate on November 14, stated a DIPR report.
Speaking at the opening programme, Alemyapang Longchar, ADC of Chiephobozou, emphasised the crucial role of youth in disaster management. Sharing experiences from past rescue operations, he underscored the importance of readiness, timely response, and community-based support, especially during incidents like landslides and earthquakes. He encouraged the participants to not only acquire knowledge for themselves but also to pass it on by training others in their communities.
In his welcome address, District Commandant Wopenthung Kikon thanked the trainers for dedicating their time and expertise to the initiative. He noted that Civil Defence volunteers act as first responders during emergencies and stressed the need for practical skills to bolster disaster management efforts. Kikon urged the trainees to take the sessions seriously and fully utilise the learning opportunity.
The training programme is being attended by 200 volunteers representing various wards across the district.
Kiphire: In Kiphire, the opening programme was held at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall, Kiphire. The event, which will continue till November 24, was inaugurated by Kiphire DC Temsuwati Longkumer.
In his speech, Longkumer emphasised the critical role of Civil Defence Wardens and Volunteers, stating the training is designed to prepare individuals for disaster response, first aid, and community support. He highlighted that the training focuses on building a pool of skilled first responders to strengthen community resilience during emergencies.
The DC described Civil Defence Wardens as a vital bridge between the District Administration and community volunteers. He also exhorted the master trainers to inspire confidence and instil a sense of responsibility among the trainees.
Longkumer announced that a comprehensive mock drill is scheduled for January 2026. This drill will encompass air raid warning systems, Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) reconnaissance, damage assessment, and components on Emergency Methods of Rescue (EMR) and Medical First Responders (MFR). It will also include drills for Chemical, Biological, and Radiological first responders.
The programme was moderated by Sub-Inspector Inaho, who assured participants of their Dearness Allowance and training certificates. He urged the volunteers to maintain discipline and regularity throughout the training session.
Dimapur: The inaugural training programme in Dimapur was held at the Council Hall, Zeliangrong Ram Colony, Dimapur.
DC Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang in his speech, emphasised the crucial role of trained volunteers as the “first line of defence” during disasters, stating that the public should not rely solely on the government in emergencies.
In his address at a Civil Defence training programme here, Dimapur DC Dr Tinojongshi Chang said that Nagaland is an incident-prone area where disasters can strike unexpectedly. “Our family and neighbours are our first priority,” Chang said, stressing that Civil Defence knowledge is vital both in pre-disaster preparedness and post-disaster response.
He noted the community spirit of the Naga people and said that having knowledge of safety measures and first aid is crucial to equip individuals to prevent injuries and assist the injured.
The DC urged the trainees to consider the training as a privilege and to complete the course sincerely. He further called upon the volunteers to support the government with manpower whenever required. He expressed hope that the training would equip the public to respond more effectively during emergencies and build resilience within their communities.
In his opening remarks, M Yingnyei Konyak, District Commandant of Home Guards, Civil Defence & State Disaster Response Force, Dimapur, underscored the importance of strengthening community-based disaster response mechanisms. He urged the trainees to take the programme seriously to enhance local preparedness.
The training has drawn more than 50 youths and will cover key areas such as disaster management, rescue techniques, basic fire fighting, and first aid.
Phek: Seven days Defence Wardens & Volunteers Training programs organised by the Department of Home Guard, Civil Defence & SDRF, Phek in collaboration with District Administration commenced at Town Hall, Phek on November 18.
DC Phek, Rhosietho Nguori also spoke on the importance of intensive training for Home Guard/Civil Defence and SDRF personnel. The DC stated that the Civil Defence personnel, wardens and volunteers are expected to be well equipped with vast knowledge to perform rescue operations competently during the actual occurrence of disasters and any eventualities.
Therefore, the DC encouraged the Wardens, Volunteers and SDRF personnel to take advantages of the training programs and for management of equipments so as to be enabled to face any disaster or any kind of eventualities for the safety of the public.
The training programme was conducted by Sub Inspector, Inener, Platoon Commander, Home Guard, Civil Defence and SDRF, Phek.
A total of 160 Civil Defence wardens & SDRF personnel and trainees attended the training programs.
Mokokchung: The inaugural programme for training of civil defence wardens/volunteers was held at Town Hall, Mokokchung.
DC and District Civil Defence Controller, Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, emphasised the critical role of civil defence volunteers as first responders during emergencies. He stressed that proper training for these volunteers is essential, noting that “if the public is not trained well, enormous damage could take place as Special Forces (NDRF, SDRF) take time to reach the spot.”
Verma reiterated the importance of training society to mitigate damage and urged village councils to spread awareness and mobilise more volunteers to strengthen the Civil Defence framework.
Citing Japan as an example of patriotism and social service, the DC appealed to participants to draw inspiration and support emergency services like disaster management, rescue operations, first aid, and public awareness.
Lanutemjen, Coy Commander, Home Guard, Civil Defence & SDRF and Deputy Controller, Mokokchung, presented the introduction to the training.
A PowerPoint presentation on the aim, objectives, roles, and responsibilities of Civil Defence was delivered by Abovi K Awomi, followed by a mock drill demonstration to bolster emergency preparedness.
Wokha: A one-day training programme for Civil Defence Wardens and Volunteers was conducted in Wokha to strengthen community preparedness and response mechanisms during disasters. The event was organised by the Home Guards, Civil Defence, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Wokha.
Sangmou Khiamniungan, EAC, emphasised the critical role of such training in saving lives, stating that in an era of increasing disasters, every citizen must be equipped with the right knowledge and skills. “Civil Defence volunteers are not just responders but pillars of community resilience, capable of mitigating risks through timely action,” Khiamniungan said. He encouraged participants to take the training seriously and serve as resource persons in their respective wards.
In his opening remarks, Echung Konyak, Company Commander of HG, CD & SDRF and Deputy Controller Civil Defence, Wokha, highlighted the core objective of the training to build a culture of preparedness and ensure timely response to protect lives and property. Konyak stressed that awareness and readiness at the grassroots level are essential for reducing disaster impact.
The programme saw the presence of Ward Councillors, reflecting the role of local governance in disaster readiness. The training included practical demonstrations, awareness sessions, and interactive discussions on disaster risk reduction.
