SHILLONG: Meghalaya’s Civil Defence & Home Guards celebrated its 63rd Raising Day with a flurry of announcements, revealing a comprehensive restructuring of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and significant advancements in disaster preparedness and capacity building.
Director of Civil Defence & Home Guards, MK Sangma, announced the government’s approval to restructure the Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) and SDRF, transforming the BWHG into a semi-volunteer force as originally sanctioned by the MHA.
It was informed that 708 permanent posts from the Border Wing Home Guards Battalion will be subsumed into two dedicated SDRF Battalions– 1st SDRF Bn: Based in Shillong, catering to the Eastern Range; 2nd SDRF Bn: Based in Tura, catering to the Western Range.
The Director of Civil Defence will now lead the SDRF as its Inspector General, with the Joint Director serving as the Dy. Inspector General, a critical step in building a modern and efficient force.
Meghalaya is strengthening its training infrastructure, with the state’s Central Training Institute (CTI) selected as one of only 17 CTIs nationally to implement a major Central Scheme.
34 Master Trainers—including 18 from Meghalaya and 16 from Tripura and Mizoram—were successfully trained under Phase I. Phase II is currently underway across 7 district offices, aiming to train 360 Civil Defence Volunteers and Wardens this month.
In a major preparedness upgrade, the installation of Air Raid Sirens across all districts is complete. Director Sangma confirmed plans to expand the reach of these sirens to the Sub-Division and Block Levels with approved procurement under the SDRF’s Preparedness and Capacity Building Scheme.
The department also celebrated key operational achievements.
The recruitment process for 445 posts (including sub-inspectors, guardsmen, drivers, and non-combatant staff) was completed in record time, marked by the state’s first-ever Rozgar Mela.
A new office building for Civil Defence & Home Guards in Jowai will serve as a modern hub for the Jaintia Hills region. Plans are also underway for a permanent Directorate office in Mawkasiang.
The celebration featured a spectacular parade, an impressive Band Display, and a dynamic SDRF Demonstration showcasing rapid response and rescue operations. Havildar Prafulla Basumatry received the prestigious President’s Meritorious Service Medal, and several personnel were honored with the DG Disc & Commendation Certificate for their distinguished service.
Director Sangma concluded with an inspiring call to action, urging community leaders and volunteers to partner with the department, reminding them that “ordinary citizens, when trained, organised and inspired, can do extraordinary things for their community.”
