Anjaw, Arunachal Pradesh: The two-day intensive ‘River Search & Rescue’ training programme successfully wrapped up along the picturesque banks of the Dhalai River in Anjaw district, marking the culmination of a vital five-river initiative across Arunachal Pradesh. The programme saw enthusiastic participation from local youth volunteers alongside dedicated police officials, all eager to bolster their emergency response capabilities.
The concluding session was spearheaded by Everest summiteer and master trainer Kishon Teksing, who imparted crucial rescue techniques specifically for drowning incidents. Complementing this, Head Constable Debanan Kaman of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) meticulously demonstrated a range of life-saving methods. Despite the unpredictable weather conditions that often characterise this region, the commitment of all participants remained unwavering, with active engagement observed throughout.
Superintendent of Police, Anjaw, Rike Kamsi, underscored the immense value of such regular training programmes, particularly those involving a greater number of local youth. “In times of natural disasters, the local populace, especially our youth, inevitably become the first responders. Arunachal Pradesh, as we all know, is a disaster-prone state, and hence, training of this nature will undoubtedly prove beneficial for everyone,” stated SP Kamsi, highlighting the proactive approach to disaster preparedness.
Commending the palpable dedication exhibited by the trainees, SP Fire & Emergency Services and SDRF Nodal Officer John Pada shared promising news. He announced that a comprehensive proposal would soon be submitted to the government, advocating for the implementation of more such crucial initiatives. “This was a five-river training initiative, encompassing sessions at the Kameng, Kamle, Siang, Noa-Dihing, and now, the Dhalai rivers. The response from our local volunteers has been truly overwhelming, exceeding all expectations. At every location, we’ve received consistent suggestions to extend the duration of the training and conduct more such sessions. We will present a detailed report to the government very soon,” affirmed SP Pada, hinting at a potential expansion of these life-saving programmes.
The overarching objective of this two-day training module was to empower local communities with indispensable rescue skills, equipping them to effectively respond to river-related emergencies. This impactful initiative commenced on April 7 along the mighty Siang River in Upper Siang district and has since traversed four other strategically important rivers across the length and breadth of Arunachal Pradesh, leaving a trail of enhanced preparedness in its wake.
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