Latest news with #AapdaMitra
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Hindu
₹33 crore sanctioned for rain-related relief measures across districts
In a move to mitigate the impact of heavy rains and potential flooding during the monsoon season, the Telangana government has sanctioned ₹33 crore towards immediate preparatory relief measures across all districts. Each of the 33 districts will receive ₹1 crore to procure essential materials and equipment to minimise damage to life and property. The allocation is aimed at enhancing district-level preparedness by equipping them with key rescue and relief tools, including air boats, life jackets, advanced sirens, public address systems, ropes, gas light cutters, bush cutters, and ladders. As per the order issued on Saturday, the sanctioned funds must be utilised strictly in accordance with the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms. The focus is on the procurement of materials that aid in evacuation and disaster response efforts. District administrations have been directed not to divert these funds for building repairs or other departmental works. Further, the services of Aapda Mitra volunteers, along with personnel from the Revenue, Police, and District Fire Departments, will be deployed to use the equipment effectively during emergencies. Once the monsoon period ends, the procured equipment will be stored at designated fire stations for future use, according to Special Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar.
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
In times of tragedy, trekking groups turn first responders
In the aftermath of the Kundamala bridge collapse, the role of local trekking and rescue groups in disaster response has once again come to the fore. Volunteer teams such as Vanya Jeev Rakshak Sanstha Maval, Shivdurg Mitra Lonavla, and Maval Adventures were among the first to arrive at the scene, aiding in search and rescue operations, saving lives, and supporting official agencies on the ground. Functioning under the Central government's Aapda Mitra initiative, many of these teams are equipped with basic rescue gear and have received formal disaster response training. (HT) These groups, made up of trained local volunteers, have emerged as vital pillars of emergency response in Maval and surrounding areas. Their effectiveness lies in their deep knowledge of the terrain, rapid mobilisation, and ability to operate in difficult conditions, be it during landslides, flash floods, or in low-visibility zones like fog-prone ghats. Functioning under the Central government's Aapda Mitra initiative, many of these teams are equipped with basic rescue gear and have received formal disaster response training. In remote areas where official assistance is delayed, their efforts have often meant the difference between life and death. Founded by Nilesh Garade in 2010, Vanya Jeev Rakshak Sanstha Maval initially focused on animal rescue and was formally registered in 2017. It now has over 300 active members. Over the past eight to nine years, the group has expanded into water rescue after undergoing training from Shivdurg Mitra Lonavla. 'To date, we have recovered more than 400 bodies during various rescue operations—all conducted voluntarily and free of cost,' said Garade. Garade explained their mobilisation process: 'When we receive a rescue call, we share the location and details on our WhatsApp group. Those nearby respond immediately, while others join later depending on availability. No one is forced to leave their job or work for a rescue.' The team members come from diverse backgrounds—mechanics, private employees, shopkeepers, tea stall vendors, and contractors—all contributing voluntarily. Their equipment includes three boats, two engines, ambulances, safety ropes, harnesses, and climbing gear. One of their most challenging missions was during the 2024 floods in Sangli and Kolhapur. In one incident at Nanegaon, their boat capsized, but luckily, no injuries were reported. Recalling a near-death experience during a search operation in Kundmala in 2024, Garade said, 'While searching in deep water, I got entangled in underwater hyacinth. I was being dragged down, but thanks to my team onshore holding the rope, I survived.' The group also conducts internal training sessions at Talegaon Lake and provides on-the-spot training to new volunteers. They have also trained police personnel from Talegaon, MIDC, and Shirgaon police stations. Their notable missions include operations during the Malin landslide, the Irshalwadi tragedy, and the Sangli-Kolhapur floods. Formed in 1980 by Vishnu Gaikwad, Shivdurg Mitra began water rescue operations in 2000. Today, it has over 200 members and operates multiple wings, including animal rescue, fitness, cultural, cycling, and climbing. The group is equipped with 1,000-ft ropes, safety harnesses, walkie-talkies, stretchers, and motorboats, and has a team of 10 trained scuba divers. They also conduct free daily rock-climbing training in Lonavla, supported by an artificial climbing wall they constructed. Water rescue drills are held weekly. 'Till now, we have rescued over 1,500 people and recovered more than 350 bodies. Our work goes beyond Lonavla; we've assisted across Maharashtra, including during the Sangli-Kolhapur floods,' said Sunil Gaikwad, the group's secretary. He added that some of their former volunteers now serve as trainers abroad, including in Australia. Many of their trainees have also participated in state and international rock-climbing competitions, a sport now recognised at the Olympics. Founded in 1990 and formally registered in 2016-17, Maval Adventures initially focused on fort restoration and heritage conservation. The group gained recognition for its work at Kusur Ghat, known as the route, taken by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after the Surat campaign. 'We have over 100 volunteers. Whenever we get a call, we respond immediately without charging anything. This is a service to society,' said founder Vishwanath Jawalikar, who runs a motorcycle repair and sales business. Each rescue operation costs between ₹ 15,000 to ₹ 20,000 per day. Jawalikar personally contributes up to 35% of his business income to support these efforts. Help Foundation, a volunteer group established in 2017 in Khopoli, was formed to support the local administration in rescue operations. Today, the foundation has grown to over 1,000 members, including more than 50 active 'frontliners' who respond to emergencies on the ground. The foundation's work includes water rescues, gas and chemical leak responses, and assistance during road accidents, primarily operating in Khopoli and the Khandala Ghat section. 'From road accidents to water rescues, we have participated in numerous operations to assist the local administration,' said Gurunath Sathelkar, a representative of the foundation. Another key player in regional rescue efforts is Yashwanti Hikers Khopoli, a professional mountaineering group founded in 1983. Originally focused on trekking and mountaineering training, the group expanded its activities following a tragic accident in Borghat in 1986, which marked their first rescue mission. 'Four people lost their lives in that incident. Since then, we've been involved in rescue operations across Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, and Thoseghar waterfall,' said founding member Padmakar Gaikwad. Today, Yashwanti Hikers has over 100 members, with 40 active frontliners. The group has also participated in major disaster responses, including the 1991 Uttarkashi earthquake, the Irshalwadi and Taliye landslides, and the Chiplun floods. Gaikwad noted that the team employs scientific methods during their rescue missions. The Aapda Mitra framework Aapda Mitra is a central government scheme launched in May 2016 by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to train 6,000 community volunteers in disaster response across 30 flood-prone districts in India. In the Pune district, the disaster management department has trained 500 Aapda Mitra volunteers, many of whom come from local trekking groups. 'There's no doubt that these trekking groups play a vital role in rescue and search operations,' said Vitthal Banote, District Disaster Management Officer, Pune. 'They are familiar with the terrain, easy to mobilise, and crucial during emergencies.' In 2022-23, the administration conducted a 12-day training program for these 500 volunteers with help from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Now, plans are underway to increase the number to 1,500, including NCC and NSS students.
Hindustan Times
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
States should focus on low cost high impact disaster mitigation plans: PK Mishra
New Delhi, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, PK Mishra, on Tuesday said that states should focus on low cost but high impact interventions to mitigate disaster risks. Addressing the valedictory session of the two-day Annual Conference of Relief Commissioners and State Disaster Response Force , Mishra said the potential of loss in certain disasters is found to be more than estimated which needs re-calibration of mitigation efforts to tackle them. Observing the nature of disasters is changing, he said that we must accept this reality that hazards are interconnected, impacts are multiplying and risks are evolving faster than we are adapting. "In view of the emerging challenges of extreme events and uncertainties, states need to recalibrate and re-activate their institutions, processes and systems for equipping themselves to be ready to handle such situation by preventing loss of life and property," he added. Mishra said that states should focus on low cost but high impact interventions to mitigate disaster risks. "Preparedness and awareness is crucial for tackling increasing uncertainty on disaster occurrence. The hazard and vulnerability landscape are changing and so should enhance the preparedness level of the states," said Mishra, according to an official statement. "For better transition from relief and response approach to preparedness and mitigation approach, states need to institutionalise the lessons learnt. This is essential, so that insights from the past disasters are not forgotten," he added. Mishra said India's Disaster Risk Reduction financing model has been acknowledged at the global platform on DRR held in Geneva on June 4-6, 2025, states should ensure for proper utilisation of recovery and mitigation funds. Highlighting India's vast geography, which mandates a robust national disaster response force, he said that states should assess and invest in capacity augmentation of agencies involved in the disaster relief operations. "Disaster preparedness is not a matter of hours but is a matter of minutes, as every minute taken in mobilisation and starting relief operation counts. Thus, the speed of response should be improved. There is still a lot to be done on the early warning from for certain disasters," added Mishra. Giving example of drought having the potential to severely affect lives and livelihood, the principal secretary said the potential of loss in certain disasters is found to be more than estimated. "These days lightning is coming forth as one of the largest-fatality disasters. Hence, our mitigation efforts should be re-calibrated to tackle these kind of disasters. States should focus on low cost but high impact interventions to mitigate disaster risks," he added. Mishra said that urban flooding solutions need to keep in mind the local geographical and climatic conditions. The principal secretary further said the Aapda Mitra scheme for volunteer mobilisation like community involvement is very important for enhancing the effectiveness of disaster response. "States should realise the role Jan-Bhagidari can play in saving lives in the aftermath of disasters. 'My Bharat' initiative of the prime minister can used for involving youths in disaster response," he said. Mishra said data plays an important role in disaster management and urged the use of 'Gati Shakti' in making disaster management plans. "The two-day conference was attended by over 1,000 delegates from State Governments/ UTs, Ministries/ Departments/ Organizations of Central Government and from SDRFs/Civil Defence/ Home Guards/Fire Services in the States/UTs," the statement said. Various sessions were organized during the conference and the experts dwelled upon the subjects like early warning, post disaster need assessment, urban floods management, new challenges and adoption of new technologies, role of disaster response forces, mock exercises, volunteerism etc., it said.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
No toxic materials in sea, clean-up underway: Kanyakumari collector
Kanyakumari: Experts have confirmed that no toxic substances were detected in the sea along the Midalam and Kodimunai coasts after debris from the sunken cargo vessel MSC Elsa 3 washed ashore, Kanyakumari district collector R Alagu Meena, said in a statement on Tuesday. The statement followed a site inspection and expert assessment initiated under the directive of chief minister M K Stalin. The cargo vessel, which sank off the Kochi coast on May 25 due to an engine failure, had several containers that drifted with the current and eventually reached the Kanyakumari shoreline. Items found along the coast included plastic pellets, wooden boxes, and cashew nut sacks. The collector stated that teams of experts found no contamination in seawater, ruling out the presence of any toxic materials. The retrieved items are currently secured under the jurisdiction of respective panchayats, municipalities, and town panchayats. One entire container was handed over to the Tuticorin customs department for further investigation. In the meantime, clean-up operations are being carried out in full swing by the disaster management department's Aapda Mitra volunteers, local officials, civic bodies, and elected representatives. The administration is also conducting public awareness campaigns in coastal fishing villages to ensure residents remain informed and calm. Authorities assured the public that the situation is under control and that necessary measures are being taken to restore normalcy along the affected coastal stretches.
Times of Oman
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Times of Oman
India: Over 10,000 shifted to safer locations amid torrential rainfall in Tripura
Agartala: Over 10,000 people have been shifted to safer locations across Tripura as torrential monsoon rains battered the state over the past 48 hours, officials said on Sunday. Triggered by intense moisture incursion, the heavy to extremely heavy rainfall has disrupted connectivity, inundated low-lying areas, and forced thousands into relief camps, even as authorities brace for more downpours in the coming days. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Agartala, has issued a red alert across all districts of Tripura after incessant monsoon rains battered the state over the past 48 hours. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, intensified by strong moisture incursion, has severely disrupted connectivity and forced thousands into relief camps. In a release issued by the IMD, active monsoon conditions are forecasted to persist, with a high likelihood of further heavy rains today and tomorrow. In response, state authorities have mobilised rescue teams and activated emergency protocols. Bodhjung Nagar in West Tripura recorded the highest rainfall in the last 24 hours at 198.5 mm, followed by Kailashahar in Unakoti (192.2 mm), Jirania in West Tripura (175.5 mm), and Agartala (140 mm). A total of 14 rescue teams--11 in West Tripura and 3 in Unakoti--comprising personnel from NDRF, SDRF, Assam Rifles, Fire Services, Civil Defence, Bharat Scouts, and Aapda Mitra volunteers have been deployed. Sixty relief camps have been established across West Tripura, Khowai, Unakoti, and North Tripura, currently sheltering approximately 2,800 families and over 10,600 people. Numerous roads in North Tripura, Unakoti, Dhalai, and West Tripura were temporarily blocked due to landslides and fallen trees. Quick response units from SDRF, the Forest Department, and PWD have cleared many of the affected routes. Preliminary reports show that 201 houses have been damaged, with 92 severely and 109 partially damaged, mostly in Gomati, Khowai, Sepahijala, and North Tripura. The Howrah River in Agartala reached 10.91 meters at 5 PM, crossing the danger level, although it has shown a receding trend over the past hour after remaining stagnant since morning. In Agartala city, stormwater drainage systems comprising 17 pump houses effectively cleared water stagnation within 2 to 3 hours despite high-intensity rainfall in a short period. Tripura Chief Minister, along with senior officials including the MP (Rajya Sabha), Mayor of Agartala, Revenue Secretary, DM and SP of West Tripura, visited several affected areas and relief camps including those at Chandrapur, Pratapgarh English Medium School, Vivekananda School, Pragati School, Tulsibati School, and B. R. Ambedkar School. Authorities have advised citizens to stay calm, avoid venturing near rivers and low-lying areas, and follow instructions from local administrations. The state government continues to work in close coordination with all departments to ensure relief, rehabilitation, and risk mitigation efforts are carried out efficiently and effectively.
