Prayagraj: As flood relief remains top priorities for the state government during monsoon, as many as 44 ‘Aapda Sakhis’ are being trained for disaster management. ‘Aapda Sakhis’ will serve as first responders in local communities during disasters, assist in relief operations, and raise public awareness.Officials claimed that the state has suffered significant losses due to various incidents—ranging from fire outbreaks following scorching heatwaves to other natural disasters—and now faces the looming threat of river-induced flood during the upcoming monsoon season.To minimize the damage, the state authorities are actively promoting public participation and the deployment of ‘Aapda Sakhis’ (disaster management volunteers) in all districts.Pointedly, the Sangam city suffers substantial damage from natural disaster every year. To minimize this impact, the state government has encouraged social participation alongside formal disaster management efforts.Shama Singh, Deputy Commissioner ( Livelihood Mission) notes that ‘Aapda Sakhis’ are now becoming an integral part of this process, ensuring active participation by women in disaster management at the community level.These 44 volunteers received training in Lucknow, facilitated by the Relief Commissioner’s office. They have already played a vital role in raising awareness among villagers about storm alerts during recent destructive weather events, and their potential utility in fire-related incidents is also being considered.Flooding in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, along with more than half a dozen tributaries, causes economic losses amounting to lakhs of rupees annually. Raising awareness among residents living in riverside areas can help mitigate these losses. 44 women associated with Self-Help Groups under the National Livelihood Mission have been trained for this purpose.These ‘Aapda Sakhis’ have now been entrusted with the responsibility of raising awareness among people in riverside rural areas regarding disaster management.The blocks in the district where they are being deployed include Bahadurpur, Karchhana, Meja, Bahariya, Saidabad, Urva, Jasra, and Bhagwatpur. They have been given training in early warning systems, first aid and relief operations, rescue and rehabilitation techniques, as well as psychological support and counseling.
