Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], December 6 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday presided over the State-level function marking the 63rd Raising Day of Himachal Pradesh Home Guards and Civil Defence, held at Sarogheen, Shimla.
Extending his greetings to the personnel of Home Guards, Civil Defence, Fire Services and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Chief Minister said that these departments have made exceptional contributions to the safety, security and development of the State.
An official release said the Chief Minister informed that Home Guards and Fire Services successfully carried out 708 search and rescue operations during the year, saving 448 lives. Their professional efficiency also helped protect property worth Rs 2,000 crore from damage. In addition, the department restored 1,035 water sources and water bodies, a commendable achievement, he added.
Sukhu said that the State Government is giving special priority to women's empowerment as part of its broader vision of Vyavastha Parivartan. He announced that women would now be inducted into the Fire Services, and necessary amendments to recruitment rules would be made soon. Recruitment to the Home Guards would also commence shortly.
He stated that the Government is taking continuous steps to strengthen the Home Guards and Civil Defence Department. During the present tenure, four new fire stations have been established at Deha, Ubadesh, Nerwa and Indora. This year, 27 new fire tenders have been procured and 150 posts sanctioned to operate these units. The Government has allocated Rs 55 crore under the Fire Services Modernisation Scheme, while advanced equipment worth Rs 6 crore has been provided to the SDRF to enhance its operational capacity. This includes drones for aerial surveys, search operations and monitoring disaster-prone areas, significantly boosting preparedness and response capabilities.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that the State Government has extended maternity leave benefits to women Home Guards, ensuring essential support and job security during maternity.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister launched the 'Miracle of Mind' mobile application, developed in collaboration with the Isha Foundation, aimed at strengthening efforts against drug abuse.
He also honoured various units and personnel of the department for their outstanding performance. The Home Guards and Civil Defence Department presented a 'Safe Himachal' demonstration featuring fire-fighting and search-and-rescue mock drills.
Earlier, Additional Director General Satwant Atwal Trivedi welcomed the Chief Minister and presented a detailed account of the department's activities. She informed that Home Guards and Fire Services conducted nearly 11,000 mock drills and 3,000 awareness camps, training around two lakh citizens.