300 commandos to be trained

Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Response and Fire Services department would establish a battalion with 300 commandos, who would be trained to undertake rescue and relief operations during the disasters, according to director general of the department K Satyanarayana. He was in Narsipatnam on Monday to inspect the local jail management system. Talking to the reporters, the director general said the battalion would be established in six months.

“Other than establishing commando units, the department will ensure public participation in the disaster management. Training will be given to youth and women so that they take active part during the disasters. Seva Dals will be formed to tackle the situation during floods, fire mishaps and earthquakes,” he added.

Satyanarayana said that special teams would be formed to undertake immediate relief measures during nuclear disasters, chemical and biological accidents. “We trained a group of women in Vijayawada and the results are encouraging,” he informed. Regarding preventive measures, he said that it was mandatory for hospitals, schools and apartments to get no objection certificates (NOC), a norm which would be strictly implemented. Even High Courts and Supreme Court have approved this mandatory rule, he stated.

“We are also planning to train NGOs and enthusiastic voluntary organisations, who would participate in quick response system. Some teams will be trained to rescue stranded people in the boats during floods and in the mid-sea at the time of cyclones,” he stated.

The director general informed that a training centre would be set up on the banks of river Godavari near Rajamahendravaram and special equipment for disaster relief, modern vehicles would also be acquired. He said e-office has been completed and some more revolutionary measures would be taken up soon to render better services to the people. Senior officials from the fire services department and others were present.