Agartala, December 6:
Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday announced a major expansion of the state’s disaster preparedness mechanism, declaring that the government aims to train Civil Defence volunteers equivalent to 1% of the state’s total population in the coming years.
Addressing the 63rd All India Civil Defence and Home Guard Day at Manoranjan Debbarma Smriti Stadium in AD Nagar, Dr. Saha said the state has significantly increased manpower, equipment and training capacity compared to previous years, resulting in a stronger, more responsive disaster management system.
Dr. Saha outlined the evolution of Tripura’s Civil Defence framework, noting that although the Civil Defence Act was enacted nationally in 1968, the system was formally introduced in the state in 1971. After remaining under the Home Department until 2019, Civil Defence responsibilities were transferred to the Revenue Department in 2020, enabling Tripura to expand its operations across all eight districts from July 2021.
At present, Tripura has around 5,000 trained Civil Defence volunteers, regularly trained at the Central Training Institute and through district-level camps. Additional District Magistrates and District Magistrates function as Civil Defence Controllers, while the Director of Relief, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management now serves as the State Director of Civil Defence.
Highlighting future initiatives, the Chief Minister said the Central Government has approved an advanced training project under which 3,000 more Civil Defence volunteers will be trained by March 31, 2026.
Alongside Civil Defence, the state also has a robust Apada Mitra network, with about 2,500 trained volunteers currently supporting disaster response, rescue operations, awareness drives, and district control room duties. Under the Youth Apada Mitra Scheme, 1,600 more volunteers from NSS, NCC, My Bharat and Bharat Scouts & Guides will be trained within this financial year.
Dr. Saha praised the unwavering service and courage displayed by Civil Defence, Home Guard and Apada Mitra volunteers—particularly during the devastating August 2024 floods, when they saved lives, cleared debris, restored roads and assisted stranded families.
“These volunteers are the backbone of Tripura’s disaster-response ecosystem. Their dedication inspires confidence among distressed citizens and reflects true public service,” he said.
He also acknowledged their significant contribution during Operation Sindoor earlier this year, adding that volunteers from these groups continue to receive recognition at district, state and national levels for their service.
Home Guard personnel and other uniformed forces remain integral to the disaster management structure, working year-round alongside trained volunteers in rescue, relief, and preparedness activities said Saha.
A parade was held on the occasion, which the Chief Minister inspected before administering the oath and presenting awards to the winners. He also visited the exhibition showcasing disaster-management equipment and observed a mock demonstration organised by the volunteers.
The event was attended by Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Director General of Police Anurag, and several senior officials.
