Jammu and Kashmir Home Guards and Civil Defence Organisation today celebrated its 51st Raising Day.
Highlighting the role of home guards and civil defence volunteers in all situations, Additional Director General of Police (Coordination) P L Gupta emphasised the need for adequate preparedness to deal with various disasters and other exigencies in the state.
He recalled certain natural disasters of recent past and explained how preparation could make a huge difference in terms of human casualties.
Stating that Jammu & Kashmir falls in seismic zones IV and V, and having its 13 district headquarters declared as multi-hazardous by the Centre, Gupta said "therefore the need of harmonising between capacity building and frequency of disasters was immensely desired."
Gupta commended the home guards and civil defence volunteers for their outstanding work during earthquakes in Valley and Doda region. He also referred to recognition of their contribution on the occasions like Shri Amar Nathji Yatra, Hajj pilgrimage, fairs, festivals and emergencies like flash floods and accidents.
The ADGP also recalled the significance of role of home guards raised after the Chinese aggression of 1962 and their contribution in creating awareness amongst people about responses to serious situations.
Further, he referred to emerging trends of climatic change, melting of glaciers, flash floods etc. Which posed serious challenges before the society.
On this occasion, an impressive parade was held by the contingents of SDRF, Home guards and Civil Defence volunteers, followed by a mock drill. The function was witnessed by a large number of people from all walks of life.
