Shillong, Oct 4: The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Meghalaya, in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) East Khasi Hills, organised a programme for the distribution of Emergency Responder Kits under the Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme at the U Soso Tham Auditorium.
The kits were handed over to volunteers who had successfully completed their disaster management training.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Lahkmen Rymbui, Minister in charge of Revenue and Disaster Management, lauded the efforts of the volunteers from the Nehru Yuva Kendra, NCC, Bharat Scouts and Guide, and NSS for their commitment to community service. He emphasised the importance of preparedness and volunteerism in disaster response, stating that disasters—both natural and man-made—are inevitable, and the best defense lies in readiness and collective action.
ALSO READ: Op-Ed | Tragedy After Tragedy: Why Road Safety in Meghalaya Demands Daily Vigilance
Rymbui recalled a past fire incident in Shillong during his tenure as Home Minister, highlighting how narrow roads and indiscriminate parking hindered the movement of fire brigades. He stressed the urgent need for better urban planning and responsible civic behavior to ensure timely emergency response.
“The roads in Shillong have remained the same, but buildings keep coming up. In such situations, it is the volunteers who become the first responders and play a vital role in saving lives,” he said. The minister also urged citizens, especially the youth, to act responsibly during accidents or disasters. “Instead of recording videos or making reels, inform the authorities immediately,” he added.
ALSO READ: LETTERS || Mapping forward on Geospatial intelligence?
Rymbui further underscored the importance of community and cooperation, saying, “We cannot live in isolation. We need a society that supports one another—and that’s why we need the NCC, NSS, and other volunteer organisations that understand the needs of the people.”
The event also featured addresses by R.M. Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills; M. War Nongbri, Commissioner and Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department; and Lt. Col. Anil Jakhar, Administrative Officer, 2 Meghalaya Battalion NCC, Shillong.
Around 434 trained volunteers participated in the programme, which concluded with the formal distribution of Emergency Responder Kits to the newly trained disaster management volunteers.
(4Front Media news)
