Disaster's unsung heroes to get medals

Their selfless services in the event of a disaster often go unnoticed. But this Independence Day, volunteers of civil defence staff will have a reason to cheer.

Their selfless services in the event of a disaster often go unnoticed. But this Independence Day, volunteers of civil defence staff will have a reason to cheer.

HT Image

They will be awarded medals by the President for exemplary work during disaster management.

This year two people have been selected for President's Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for distinguished service and six people will be awarded Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for meritorious service.

There is a sanctioned strength of approximately 69,000 civil defence volunteers in Delhi. Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has trained 22,355 civil defence volunteers in disaster management.

"Right from wars to building collapse, I've been putting in volunteer service for the past 60 years. I retired from a government school as a principal and now I train other volunteers and participate in mock-drills," said Vijai Kishan Malhotra, additional chief warden.

The directorate of Home Guards and Civil Defence was bifurcated last year after which Civil Defence was placed under the revenue department.