600 Aapda Mitras to be trained as first responders to disasters, accidents: Rehman

Srinagar, Sep 21: The 1st Battalion of State Disaster Response Force, Srinagar Wednesday commenced the Disaster Management training to 1st batch of 50 ‘Aapda Mitras’ volunteers under centrally sponsored scheme ‘Up Scaling of Aapda Mitra scheme’ at SDRF Headquarters Srinagar to create a pool of trained volunteers who shall be first to respond to any eventuality or tragedy in respective areas.
The Aapda Mitras shall be trained in rescue operation, first aid and utilization of available resources at the place of disaster. The 12 days training programme for 50 volunteers of 1st batch was inaugurated by Secretary DMRRR, J&K Govt, Nazim Zia Khan.
Speaking on the occasion, Commandant SDRF 1st Bn Srinagar, Haseeb ur Rehman said that disaster response training shall be provided to 600 Aapda Mitra volunteers of Baramulla, Kupwara and Kulgam, as per the syllabus of NDMA, in several batches with 50 volunteers in each batch.
He said the main objective of the scheme is to train volunteers in disaster management so that their services could be utilized during any eventuality whether natural or human made including earthquake, floods, fires and accidents etc. as the first responders.
He added that the training shall be imparted by trained instructors of SDRF 1st Bn Srinagar and the services of guest lecturers from IMPA J&K and Civil Defense Kashmir will also be utilized.
He informed SDRF is presently fully activated and conducted 56 rescue operations during the current year including the rescue operation during cloudburst at Shri Amarnathji cave in association with other agencies.
Among others the programme was attended by SP Rashid Khan, Dy. SP Mohmaad Ismail and other officers and officials besides nodal officers of district Kupwara, Kulgam and Baramulla.
Speaking on the sidelines of the programme regarding the Sukoon mental health Helpline, Commandant SDRF 1st Bn Srinagar said that through mental health helpline counseling by experts is provided to the individuals suffering from depression. He informed that a study was conducted regarding suicide cases in Kashmir and said that during the period from February 2021 to June 2022 it was found that 365 persons attempted suicide of which 127 persons died while 238 survived.
He said that post-covid mental health has been a serious issue for which a 24*7 Sukoon helpline has been launched to help out the people from depression or any mental health issue and rehabilitate them.