Gangtok, Nov 4 (PTI): A three-day Civil Defence Volunteer Training Camp, organised by the Army’s Black Cat Division in coordination with the Gangtok district administration, concluded here on Wednesday with a call for stronger community-level preparedness to deal with disasters and emergencies.
The camp, held from November 2 to 4 at the 5th Mile Army Camp, brought together civil defence volunteers for practical and knowledge-based sessions aimed at improving their emergency response capabilities, an official press statement said.
Gangtok District Collector Rohan Agawane attended the concluding programme along with Artillery Brigade Commander Brigadier Suraj Bhan, officials of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Army personnel and civil defence volunteers.
Addressing the participants, Agawane thanked the Indian Army for conducting the training and stressed the need for sustained engagement with the civil defence community. “Disasters can occur at any time,” he said, urging volunteers to remain prepared and put the knowledge and skills acquired during the camp to use when required, the statement said.
He also called for continued collaboration between the district administration and the Army to organise more such programmes and strengthen disaster preparedness at the community level.
Brigadier Bhan said the nature of civil defence had evolved, with emergencies and conflicts extending beyond the physical domain to include psychological preparedness and information warfare.
He stressed the need for mental readiness, better sharing of knowledge and experience, and a robust information network to respond effectively to different kinds of emergencies.
Thursday, November 5, 2026