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Indian Express
a day ago
- General
- Indian Express
Chandigarh administration to train 1,600 civil defence volunteers for emergency, disaster preparedness
A total of 1,600 volunteers will be trained in multiple batches for emergency and disaster preparedness by the Chandigarh Administration at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Chandigarh, from June 21. Under an extensive civil defence volunteer training programme, the initiative — a collaborative effort with the Department of Civil Defence — aims to create a technically trained and responsive volunteer force capable of assisting during emergencies ranging from natural disasters and pandemics to war-like situations and other critical incidents, an official of the administration said. The training will be formally inaugurated by the Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. The six-day training sessions, conducted in four structured batches, have been carefully curated by expert faculty to include both theoretical learning and practical field experience. Volunteers will receive in-depth exposure to key aspects of disaster management, including risk mitigation strategies, search and rescue operations, evacuation techniques, first aid and triage, emergency communication, fire safety, and shelter management. What sets this initiative apart is its emphasis on realism and action-based learning. Simulated disaster environments will be created where volunteers will engage in mock drills replicating real-life crisis situations such as building collapses, fire outbreaks, and mass casualty events. These immersive exercises are designed to build confidence, enhance decision-making under pressure, and improve coordination with professional emergency responders. The training will also focus on psychological first aid and crowd management — skills that are vital during large-scale emergencies when public distress is high and timely intervention is critical. A significant component of the programme includes a field visit to Chandimandir Cantonment, offering volunteers a unique opportunity to interact with defence personnel and gain firsthand insights into military preparedness and civil-military coordination. This visit is expected to deepen their understanding of strategic response mechanisms in wartime scenarios and reinforce the importance of disciplined, coordinated action during crises. The training programme reflects the broader national vision of Jan Bhagidari, or public participation, promoted by the Government of India. 'By empowering citizens to act as community first responders, the administration is fostering a sense of collective responsibility and equipping the public with essential life-saving skills. The volunteers trained through this initiative will serve as a critical support system for the administration, particularly during the initial hours of any emergency, when immediate professional help may be limited or delayed,' the official added. Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh Nishant Kumar Yadav has underlined the importance of building a prepared civilian task force to support government efforts during disasters. 'Having a well-trained team of civil defence volunteers can significantly improve the city's capacity to manage crises effectively, ensure timely relief, and reduce casualties. Such programmes not only strengthen institutional preparedness but also promote a culture of awareness, readiness, and resilience among citizens,' Yadav added.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Preparations underway for International Yoga Day celebrations in Chandigarh
1 2 Chandigarh: A meeting was held on Tuesday, chaired by chief secretary Rajeev Verma, to review and finalise the arrangements for the upcoming International Yoga Day celebrations scheduled for June 21. This year marks the successful completion of a decade of International Yoga Day celebrations across the globe. To commemorate this significant milestone, the Chandigarh Administration will organise the state-level celebrations at two iconic venues – Tiranga Park, Sector 17, and Rock Garden, Sector 1. The Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria will be the chief guest at Tiranga Park event. The celebrations are expected to witness participation from around 1,800 citizens across all age groups and walks of life, including students, senior citizens, govt officials, yoga enthusiasts, police, MC, civil defence volunteers, and members of various organisations and institutions. The social welfare department, in coordination with the directorate of Ayush, will hold celebrations of the 11th International Yoga Day at Rock Garden, where around 1,100 Anganwadi workers, creche helpers, CCI children, and others will participate. In addition to the state-level events, yoga sessions and celebrations will be held at over 140 locations across the UT, ensuring wide participation and outreach in the City Beautiful. The chief secretary directed all departments to work in close coordination to ensure the successful and smooth conduct of the event. Present during the meeting were Diprava Lakra, secretary finance; RK Singh, DGP; Amit Kumar, commissioner MC; Ajay Chagti, secretary health; Anuradha Chagti, secretary social welfare; Hari Kallikkat, secretary IT; and other senior officials of the administration.
India Gazette
5 days ago
- India Gazette
Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria expresses grief on AI 171 plane crash, says
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], June 15 (ANI): Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Sunday expressed grief over the recent AI 171 plane crash in Ahmedabad stating that incident has shaken the whole country and world. Kataria said that the reason for the mishap will be revealed after an investigation. 'This incident has shaken India and the entire world. How it happened will be known only after an investigation... This is the first time I have seen such a big incident', Kataria told reporters here. On June 12, the AI 171 Boeing Dreamliner flight, which was bound for London's Gatwick airport crashed soon after taking off resulting in the deaths of all but one of the 242 people onboard. The victims included former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Gujarat State administration has arranged for the death certificates of those who died in the recent Air India plane crash to be issued directly at the hospital, sparing grieving families the need to visit multiple offices, Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Banchha Nidhi Pani said today. Further, Pani said, that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, which is probing the crash has successfully retrieved the aircraft's black box. 'The black box had to be recovered. The black box is either in the front or in the back. Fortunately, in this case, the tail end (of the plane) was not destroyed, and it was stuck in the first building. The AAIB team requested that cranes, labourers, and engineers be provided to recover the black box. After this, the Black box was recovered,' the Ahmedabad Municipal commissioner said. 'After that, we ensured that people should not go to offices for death certificates. A single-window system was created, and the death certificates were issued then and there,' he said. Authorities have begun the process of identifying the bodies of the deceased from the charred wreckage with the help of DNA and blood samples provided by relatives. Earlier today, Ahmedabad Additional Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital Dr. Rajnish Patel said a total of 31 DNA samples have been identified and 12 bodies have been handed over to their respective family members. 'The bodies of 31 DNAs have been matched. 12 bodies have been handed over to their respective family members. We are waiting for others to come and collect the remains of their relatives', he told reporters. (ANI)
Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria, wife rushed to IGMC Shimla after experiencing ‘discomfort', discharged later
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and his wife, Anita Kataria, were rushed to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, on Thursday night after they complained of uneasiness at their official summer residence, Hem Kunj, located near the Retreat in Chharabra, Shimla. While Governor Kataria was discharged after preliminary medical treatment, Anita was kept under observation overnight and discharged on Friday morning. The couple subsequently returned to Chandigarh. Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla visited IGMC on Friday morning to enquire about their health. Dr Rahul Rao, Medical Superintendent at IGMC, told The Indian Express, 'The Punjab governor and his wife were brought in after experiencing discomfort. A detailed examination indicated symptoms of high-altitude sickness. They had travelled directly from the plains, where the temperature exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, to a much cooler location—over 10 degrees lower than Chandigarh. The Punjab Governor was discharged last night, while his wife was kept under observation as a precaution and discharged this morning. Their medical reports were normal.' Chharabra is a suburb situated approximately 8,250 feet (2514 m) above sea level in Shimla district. Meanwhile, Chandigarh is situated on an average elevation of 1,053 ft (321 m). Sources said the couple experienced difficulty in breathing and general discomfort, following which they were brought to IGMC around 9 pm.
India Gazette
12-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"He brings schemes that we had not imagined": Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria applauds PM Modi
Chandigarh [India], June 12 (ANI): Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, applauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stated that the schemes he had brought in 11 years of governance had laid the foundation for progress. 'Every person experiences what PM Modi has done for the poor in 11 years. He brings such schemes that we had not imagined. When Swachh Bharat Abhiyan started, people used to make fun of it, saying it wouldn't happen. But look at today, it has progressed,' Kataria told ANI. The Punjab Governor also stated how the PM's schemes had brought people in the country above the poverty line, further stating that it was a big achievement for the country. 'We had never thought that every household would get water, but now it is happening. 50 crore people have got food grains, every household has got electricity, and Mudra Yojana- every kind of business has benefited from it. In the last few years, about 24-35 crore people have come out of the poverty line. This is a big achievement for the country,' he further added. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari emphasised that whatever happened in the 11 years under the PM's governance was a 'sanjeevani.' Speaking to the media, Tiwari emphasised that they are not going to stop now. 'Whatever has happened in these eleven years is a 'Sanjeevani', but we are not going to stop now. We are planning for at least Rs 8000 crores more in the next five years, and we are fully confident that there will be no shortage of it as long as Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister,' he said. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta credited the Central Government for significant development and relief initiatives in Delhi over the past 11 years on Tuesday, citing achievements in healthcare, infrastructure, and welfare schemes. Speaking to media reporters, Delhi CM said, 'The situation in Delhi was different during the 11 years of the Central Government's tenure.' Citing developments in healthcare, she pointed to the performance of AIIMS. 'Just look at the hospitals today. AIIMS handles 5 lakh OPD cases annually, which helps reduce the burden on Delhi's hospitals,' she added. Delhi CM also highlighted the infrastructure growth, 'The central government approved a road project worth RS 1.25 lakh crore.' She further said, 'The credit for the metro goes to the central government. The Centre has launched one phase after another of the metro.' She listed various schemes implemented by the central government. 'Under the Mudra Yojana, loans were distributed to the people of Delhi. Under the Garib Kalyan Yojana, free ration was provided.' '1,731 colonies were regularised. Loans worth Rs 300 crore were given to 2 lakh street vendors. Rs 6,000 was provided as Kisan Samman Nidhi to 12,000 farmers,' CM Gupta added. (ANI)
