Chandigarh Administration Announces Enrolment Drive for Second Batch of Civil Defence Volunteers on Completion of One Year of ‘Operation Sindoor’
Chandigarh, 07 May 2026:On the occasion of the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the Chandigarh Administration has announced the enrolment drive for the second batch of Civil Defence Volunteers (CDVs). The initiative is a significant step towards further strengthening emergency response mechanisms and disaster preparedness in the Union Territory.
In 2025, the first batch of Civil Defence Volunteers was constituted, comprising 419 trained volunteers. These volunteers underwent a 7-day intensive training programme at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Chandigarh. The training included practical sessions, physical fitness assessments, written examinations, and mock drills.
The training was imparted by experts from the Fire Department, Health Department, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Western Command, Indian Army. Key areas of training included disaster response, first aid, rescue operations, evacuation procedures, traffic management, crisis communication, and basic firefighting. Upon successful completion of training, volunteers were provided with Civil Defence uniforms and berets.
The organisational structure of Civil Defence includes Chief Warden, Deputy Chief Warden, Divisional Warden, Deputy Divisional Warden, Post Warden, Deputy Post Warden, and Sector Wardens.
The enrolment drive for the second batch of Civil Defence Volunteers will be held on 8 May 2026 from 12:00 noon onwards at Mahila Bhawan, Sector 38-C, Chandigarh.
On this occasion, the Hon’ble Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, will grace the event as the Chief Guest. A Coffee Table Book highlighting achievements in disaster management and Civil Defence will also be released, and the formal enrolment of the second batch of volunteers will take place.
Applicants must be Indian citizens aged 18 years and above, physically and mentally fit, and willing to undergo the prescribed training.
The Chandigarh Administration has appealed to citizens to come forward and actively participate in this initiative, contributing towards strengthening public safety and building a resilient community.
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Fire Safety Mock Drill Conducted at GMSH-16 during Fire Safety Week
Chandigarh, 06 May 2026:A Fire Safety Mock Drill was successfully conducted on 06 May 2026 at Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH), Sector 16, Chandigarh, as part of the ongoing observance of Fire Safety Week (04–10 May 2026).
The drill was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Deepinder Singh, Nodal Officer (Fire Safety)-cum-Operations Head, in coordination with Dr. Gaurav Pawar, Nodal Officer (Disaster Management)-cum-Incharge, Casualty Department, who acted as the Incident Commander during the exercise.
The simulated fire incident was staged on the 5th floor of the multistorey building. Upon activation of the emergency response system, swift and coordinated action was initiated. The Hospital Enquiry in the Casualty Department promptly informed the hospital administration, while timely alerts were also sent to ERSS-112 and Fire Station, Sector 17.
The drill witnessed active participation from the hospital administration, including the Director Health & Family Welfare-cum-Principal Medical Officer, Medical Superintendent-cum-Joint PMO, Deputy Medical Superintendent, Heads of Departments, Nursing Superintendent, Senior Nursing Officers, officials from Public Health Engineering (Public Health and Electrical Wings), and security personnel.
A key highlight of the drill was the safe and efficient evacuation of six patients from the affected 5th floor. The evacuation was carried out through staircases and a window under supervision, ensuring patient safety and swift transfer to the designated assembly area. Triage (Red, Yellow, Green, Black) was conducted as per emergency protocols for immediate medical attention.
Fire Department officials responded promptly and reached the site within stipulated time. Their coordinated response with hospital teams ensured effective handling of the simulated emergency. Critical response parameters such as alert time, communication, evacuation, and fire service response were recorded for evaluation and future improvement.
The successful conduct of the drill underscores the hospital’s commitment to patient safety, staff preparedness, and strengthening emergency response systems. Such exercises play a vital role in enhancing inter-departmental coordination and minimizing risks during real emergencies.
Dr. Suman Singh, Director Health & Family Welfare, UT Chandigarh, appreciated the efforts of all participants and emphasized the importance of regular mock drills to ensure preparedness and build a resilient healthcare system.