Bhubaneswar: A significant meeting was convened at Lok Sabha Bhawan this afternoon under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja to thoroughly assess and bolster civil defence practices across Odisha.
The high-level review saw the participation of key officials including Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Home, Satyabrata Sahu, Director General (DG) of Fire Services, Sudhanshu Sarangi, and other senior dignitaries. District Magistrates from various districts also actively contributed to the discussions via virtual platforms.
The central focus of the meeting revolved around fortifying the state’s civil defence personnel in multiple crucial aspects. Deliberations extensively covered strategies for augmenting the number of trained volunteers and strengthening the organizational framework of the civil defence units. Furthermore, a strong emphasis was placed on enhancing the training programs to equip these personnel with advanced skills relevant to their diverse service delivery roles.
A key point of discussion was the strategic deployment of increased numbers of civil defence volunteers in densely populated areas and urban centers. Recognizing the vital role these volunteers play during crises, the meeting explored avenues to maximize their presence and effectiveness in such vulnerable locations.
The Chief Secretary and other senior officials engaged in detailed discussions with the District Magistrates of Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Khurda, Angul, Samalpur, Sundargarh, and other districts. These interactions aimed at understanding the specific situations and requirements of the Civil Defence Force at the grassroots level, leading to the formulation of various pertinent recommendations.
The invaluable contributions of civil defence volunteers in assisting the public during disasters and other emergencies were widely acknowledged. Their crucial roles in providing first aid, executing rescue and relief operations, supporting fire services, and aiding in search and rescue efforts were lauded as vital in saving lives and maintaining social stability during challenging times. The meeting consensus strongly recommended seeking the assistance of these dedicated volunteers whenever the need arises.
Looking ahead, the meeting also explored avenues to enhance anti-terrorism coordination by fostering stronger collaborations between civil defence forces and other key organizations such as the National Service Corps (NSC), Samar Shiksyarthi Bahini, and the Nehru Youth Centre.
Addressing the attendees, Chief Secretary Shri Ahuja stressed the critical need for heightened public awareness. He urged the District Magistrates and other officials to view the most critical phases of the pandemic as both an opportunity and a challenge to strengthen preparedness. Emphasizing proactive measures, she advised all concerned to take necessary precautions diligently.
Today’s meeting underscores the Odisha government’s commitment to strengthening its civil defence infrastructure and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens through a well-trained and effectively deployed volunteer force. The outcomes of this review are expected to translate into concrete steps aimed at enhancing the state’s resilience to various emergencies and disasters.