Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday directed officials to strengthen the civil defence department as a key pillar of disaster management and public safety, ordering faster recruitment, expanded training and regular mock drills across the state.
Reviewing the department’s functioning, Yogi said civil defence can no longer be viewed solely as a wartime organisation and must play a larger role in disaster response, rescue operations, public awareness and emergency management.
Expansion and Recruitment
The CM asked officials to involve NCC and NSS volunteers in civil defence activities and ensure volunteers receive training in CPR, first aid, firefighting, search-and-rescue operations and disaster response. He also stressed the use of public warning systems, including sirens, to improve preparedness before emergencies.
Officials informed the meeting that civil defence units have now been established in all 75 districts of the state, marking a significant expansion from the earlier network of 17 districts. Around 7,500 volunteers have already been recruited in newly covered districts, while recruitment for additional vacancies is underway.
Training Achievements
The department has trained nearly 5,000 wardens and volunteers under a Central government capacity-building programme. In addition, 72,438 students have received basic civil defence training, while 7,502 home guard volunteers and 4,633 citizens have undergone disaster management courses.
To strengthen emergency response capabilities, Yogi directed that every civil defence district conduct at least two large-scale mock drills annually involving local administration, emergency services and volunteers.
Future Plans
The CM also favoured engaging retired Army personnel as trainers to improve operational readiness and directed officials to accelerate recruitment and training efforts to build a modern and responsive civil defence force across the state.
