Ahmedabad: Chief Minister Mr. Vijaybhai Rupani today expressed a determination to formulate ‘Yuva Shakti Sena’ (Youth Power Brigade) for rehabilitation and rebuilding while facing the natural disasters.

The Chief Minister launched ‘Aapada Mitras’ (Friends during Disasters) training programme organized in Gandhinagar for selected 2,000 young boys & girls by the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA).

The objective of the training is that that these volunteers of Aapada Mitras will give effective support to the district administration during the time of the disasters. These 2,000 volunteers will be given training to dive in deep-waters and carry out search and rescue operations. The Aapada Mitras would be trained with latest technologies, equipments and techniques to ensure minimum lost during the time of disasters.

Mr. Rupani also recalled the vital role played by the GSDMA in saving lives and properties during the devastated earthquake of year-2001. The state had set-up an example by formulating the first disaster management authority in the country.
The disaster management and labour employment minister Mr. Dilipbhai Thakor said it is in the trait of Gujarat to convert a disaster into an opportunity. He also recalled that how Prime Minister Mr. Narendrabhai Modi, who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and present Chief Minister Mr. Rupani had turned the earthquake of year-2001 and the flood of year-2017, respectively, into opportunities to serve the people of state.

He also stated that over 33,000 students and 57,820 teachers of schools and colleges are being trained by 257 trainers to help the administration in the time of disasters.

Mrs. Anuradha Mall, Chief Executive Officer, GSDMA, also spoke on the occasion. The function was also attended by Chief Secretary Dr. J. N. Singh, additional chief secretary (revenue department) Mr. Pankaj Kumar, Police IGP (armed) Mr. Ajay Chaudhary, Chief Commandant (SRP Group) Mr. R. S. Yadav and others.

Thank giving was done by Mr. G. C. Brahmbhatt, additional chief executive officer, GSDMA.

– Information