A massive crowd gathered in Chandigarh on Sunday as thousands of residents came forward to volunteer for emergency services, reflecting an unprecedented surge in civic responsibility and community engagement. The event, organized jointly by the Chandigarh Administration and several NGOs, aimed to recruit trained and untrained individuals to support the city’s disaster management, health, and rescue operations.
The initiative was held at the Parade Ground in Sector 17, which saw participation from all age groups – from college students and professionals to retired personnel and homemakers. The atmosphere was filled with energy, patriotism, and a deep sense of duty toward the community.
According to officials from the Chandigarh Disaster Management Authority (CDMA), more than 15,000 people registered their names within the first few hours of the drive. Long queues could be seen forming early in the morning, with many volunteers arriving before sunrise.
Rising Need for Prepared Citizens
The volunteer recruitment initiative comes in the wake of growing concerns about natural disasters, road accidents, and public health emergencies. In recent years, Chandigarh has witnessed a rise in urban challenges such as flash floods during the monsoon, increasing road mishaps, and pandemic-related crises. The administration hopes to create a robust force of trained citizens who can act as first responders during emergencies.
Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh, who personally supervised the arrangements, said, “We are overwhelmed by the public’s response. It shows how much people care about their city. Our goal is to prepare a team of at least 50,000 volunteers over the next six months who can be deployed whenever needed.”
Singh further explained that the volunteers will undergo basic training in first aid, CPR, fire safety, crowd control, and emergency communication. The training will be conducted in collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Red Cross Society, and local hospitals.
Voices from the Ground
Volunteers expressed both excitement and pride in being part of the initiative. Priya Sharma, a 22-year-old medical student from Panjab University, said, “It’s a great opportunity to serve society and also learn skills that could one day save lives. I want to be someone who can step up in a crisis, not stand back helplessly.”
Suresh Mehta, a retired Army officer, called the initiative a “much-needed step” in ensuring community resilience. “We cannot depend entirely on government agencies during emergencies. Citizens must be ready too. I’m here to contribute my experience and encourage the youth to get involved.”
NGOs also played a crucial role in mobilizing people. Organizations like Seva Sangh, Youth United, and Helping Hands Chandigarh helped in spreading awareness about the program through social media campaigns and local outreach.
A Model for Other Cities
Officials from neighboring states also visited the venue to observe the event and consider replicating similar initiatives in their cities. The Ministry of Home Affairs, in a statement, lauded Chandigarh’s effort and hinted at plans to introduce a nationwide volunteer emergency force inspired by this model.
Experts say such initiatives not only enhance emergency preparedness but also foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility among citizens. “This is how a modern society should function – with government and public working hand in hand,” said Dr. Kavita Joshi, a disaster management expert from PGIMER.
What’s Next?
The next phase involves scheduling training sessions for the registered volunteers. A mobile app will soon be launched to help coordinate tasks, schedule sessions, and provide updates to participants. The administration is also considering offering certificates and potential employment benefits for active volunteers.
As the sun set over the city, the Parade Ground still buzzed with activity. Chandigarh witnessed not just a crowd, but a movement – one built on solidarity, service, and the shared goal of being prepared for the unexpected.
