Patna: More than 10,000 youths have been trained as Yuva Aapda Mitras in the state so far this year, taking the state’s cadre of community-based disaster response volunteers to over 19,000 as part of efforts to strengthen preparedness and emergency response at the grassroots levelAccording to a Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) release issued on Thursday, over 19,000 Yuva Aapda Mitras have been trained across the state under the National Disaster Management Authority’s scheme. Of them, 10,233 completed training between Jan and July this year.The initiative aims to create a pool of trained volunteers who can support authorities during floods, lightning strikes, fires and other disasters. Volunteers are being selected from organisations such as the National Service Scheme (NSS), Bharat Scouts and Guides, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and the National Cadet Corps (NCC).Selected candidates undergo a seven-day residential training programme covering disaster management and emergency response. The training also focuses on leadership, teamwork, coordination, discipline and quick decision-making to enable effective response during emergencies.BSDMA officials said the programme is designed to create a network of skilled volunteers capable of assisting affected people, helping evacuate residents to safer locations and coordinating with local authorities during crises.Senior adviser to BSDMA Ashok Kumar Sharma said such a volunteer network is crucial for a disaster-prone state like Bihar. He said trained youth volunteers can serve as the first line of support at the local level, enabling quicker response before larger relief mechanisms are activated.Sharma added that the role of Yuva Aapda Mitras goes beyond relief and rescue operations. They are also expected to conduct awareness campaigns, promote safe practices and encourage disaster preparedness within their communities.Officials said the scheme seeks to make disaster management more community-driven by involving trained youth volunteers alongside government agencies in preparedness, relief and response activities across the state.
