Jaipur: In a major initiative aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and emergency response at the community level, 12,650 young volunteers across Rajasthan are being trained under the National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) ambitious Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme.

The large-scale training programme is being conducted in 13 disaster-prone districts of the state to equip volunteers with essential skills in disaster management, rescue operations, and emergency response.

As part of the initiative, Rajasthan Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar Sharma Rajeev Kumar Sharma will visit the training camp at the NCC Complex on JLN Marg in Jaipur on June 15. During the visit, he will review the ongoing training activities and interact with the participants to encourage and guide them.

The seven-day residential training programme is being conducted for volunteers associated with NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, and Bharat Scouts and Guides in Jaipur, Ajmer, Alwar, Jodhpur, Barmer, Bharatpur, Jalore, Jhalawar, Kota, Bikaner, Nagaur, Sirohi, and Pali districts. The training is being organized by the Rajasthan State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) with the support of certified Disaster Mitra master trainers. The Jaipur camp will continue until June 18, 2026.

The primary objective of the scheme is to create a network of trained community volunteers who can act as first responders during natural or human-induced disasters. These volunteers will support local administrations and relief agencies by reaching affected areas quickly and assisting in rescue and relief operations.

Participants are receiving practical training in critical areas such as search and rescue operations, first aid, disaster risk reduction, community coordination, rope rescue techniques, and emergency response management.

According to the programme schedule, DGP Rajeev Kumar Sharma will arrive at the NCC campus at 10 a.m. Following the welcome ceremony, Additional Director General of Police, Rajasthan Armed Constabulary and SDRF, Rupinder Singh Rupinder Singh will deliver the inaugural address. Trainees will also showcase rope rescue demonstrations and other disaster management exercises during the event.

The programme will include a presentation by NCC officials highlighting the organization’s role during disasters. Addressing the trainees, DGP Sharma is expected to emphasize the importance of youth participation, discipline, leadership, and social responsibility in disaster management.

Officials from Rajasthan Police and SDRF believe that this large pool of trained volunteers will significantly strengthen the state’s disaster response mechanism. In times of crisis, locally available trained volunteers can help accelerate rescue and relief efforts while minimizing loss of life and property.