Officials along with the trainees during the inauguration of the 3rd phase of the Civil Defence Wardens and Volunteers held at EDTC office, Dimapuyr on January 28. (DIPR Photo)
Dimapur, January 29 (MExN): The third phase of training for Civil Defence Wardens and Volunteers of Dimapur district commenced on January 28 at the Office of the East Dimapur Town Council, and will culminate on February 4. The programme is being organised by the Home Guards, Civil Defence and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Nagaland.
Addressing the gathering, Zakabo V Rotokha Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur emphasised the importance of civil defence preparedness, community participation, and a coordinated response during disasters and emergencies.
Rotokha appreciated the organising team for conducting the training and lauded the community for selecting capable and committed individuals to undergo the programme. Expressing satisfaction over the participation of women, he noted that disasters can strike at any time and stressed the need to remain alert and prepared.
Highlighting that East Dimapur is facing one of the worst floods in recent years due to extreme weather conditions, he asserted that the trained wardens would play a crucial role by imparting training in different specialised fields.
Urging the trainees to consider the programme as a service to their community, the ADC encouraged them to be sincere, attentive, and committed so that the training proves beneficial not only to them but also to others.
In his opening remarks, M Yingnyei Konyak, District Commandant, Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF, Dimapur, highlighted the importance of Civil Defence as a people-centric and non-privileged organisation aimed at strengthening community preparedness and resilience. Konyak maintained that Civil Defence is not limited to emergency response alone but is about readiness, responsibility and collective action during crises.
Likewise, he noted that trained volunteers play a crucial role as first responders, offering timely help and hope when disasters strike. Emphasising the significance of the seven-day training programme, he said that the participants would be equipped with essential knowledge, practical skills and confidence to respond effectively when every second counts.
Encouraging volunteers to actively participate, Konyak said the skills gained would benefit not only to individuals but also their families and the wider community. At the same time, he also expressed gratitude to the East Dimapur Town Council authorities for providing the venue.
The opening programme was chaired by S Viboto H. Sumi, Sub-Inspector. Wardens and volunteers from East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC) Wards 1 to 11 and Samaguri Village are participating in the training.
The training programme aims to equip more than 80 wardens and volunteers with essential skills and practical knowledge to effectively respond to emergencies, natural disasters, and other crisis situations.
