- By Imran Zafar
- Sat, 07 Dec 2024 08:36 AM (IST)
- Source:PTI
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a series of reforms for the state Home Guards and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) during the 62nd State-Level Raising Day celebrations on Friday. Among the key measures, women Home Guards will now receive 180 days of maternity leave, and the daily allowance for Home Guards deployed outside the State will be increased from Rs 60 to Rs 500.
The government plans to fill 700 vacant Home Guard posts to address manpower shortages, enhancing the force’s operational capacity. Additionally, drone stations will be established at all district headquarters to bolster disaster management, along with the sanctioning of a new landline number at the SDRF Control Room to assist the public.
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also emphasised modernising the SDRF with advanced equipment and sufficient funding. Currently, the SDRF utilises drones with a 5 kg payload capacity, but plans are in place to procure drones with higher payload capacities. Funds have also been allocated for constructing the SDRF headquarters in Palampur and the Kangra Unit campus.
As part of disaster preparedness, the State aims to train 1 per cent of its population as Civil Defence volunteers over the next five years. The Home Guards, recognised as First Responders, will integrate under the SDRF to ensure rapid response during emergencies. The State's 74 company offices and 12 training centres have been designated as Disaster Response Centers.
The chief minister also highlighted recent initiatives in fire safety, including establishing four new fire stations in Nadaun, Deha, Indora and Kotkhai, and creating 240 new posts in the Fire Services Department. Approval has been granted for procuring eight fire vehicles to strengthen the department’s capabilities further.
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CM Sukhu also lauded the Home Guards' efforts during last year's devastating monsoon disaster, which claimed over 500 lives and left 15,000 homeless. The force has conducted 31,000 rescue operations in the last decade, saving 3,600 lives and protecting properties worth over Rs 10,000 crore.
(With agency inputs)