Tripura Targets Training 1% of Population as Civil Defence Volunteers: CM

Agartala, December 06: Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Friday announced a major expansion of the Civil Defence volunteer base in Tripura, stating that the government aims to train Civil Defence volunteers equivalent to 1% of the state’s total population in the coming days. Speaking at the 63rd All India Civil Defence and Home Guards Day programme at Manoranjan Debbarma Smriti Stadium in AD Nagar, Agartala, the Chief Minister highlighted the crucial role of Civil Defence, Home Guard, and Apda Mitra volunteers in humanitarian services and disaster management. Dr. Saha said that this year’s parade by Civil Defence, Home Guard, Apda Mitra and other volunteers marked a significant increase compared to previous years. “Their selfless service offers hope to people in distress and stands as an example of true humanitarian spirit,” he said. The Chief Minister outlined the evolution of Civil Defence in the state, noting that although the Civil Defence Act was enacted nationally in 1968, Tripura recognized it in 1971. Initially under the West Tripura District Magistrate, Civil Defence operations were transferred to the Home Department in 2019 and later to the Revenue Department in 2020, enabling statewide expansion by July 2021. Currently, all eight districts of Tripura have Civil Defence units, with ADMs and Collectors designated as Civil Defence Controllers. The Director of Relief & Rehabilitation and Disaster Management serves as the Director of Civil Defence for the state. Dr. Saha informed that around 5,000 trained Civil Defence volunteers are presently deployed across the state, with regular training conducted at the Central Training Institute and district-level centres. Additionally, the Government of India is implementing a skill-enhancement project under which 3,000 Civil Defence volunteers will be trained by March 31, 2026. Tripura presently has about 2,500 trained Apada Mitra volunteers who, along with Home Guards, actively support disaster response efforts including rescue operations, relief distribution, awareness campaigns, and control room duties. The Chief Minister emphasized that the combined efforts of Civil Defence, Apada Mitra, and Home Guard volunteers are pivotal to building a disaster-resilient Tripura. The state continues to receive financial support from the Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen volunteer capabilities. Chief Secretary JK Sinha, Director General of Police Anurag, and several senior officials attended the programme as distinguished guests.