SHILLONG: The Civil Defence and Home Guards Organisation of Meghalaya celebrated its 63rd Raising Day with a grand ceremony at Mawdiangdiang, highlighting the force’s evolving role in disaster response, community safety and capacity-building across the State. The event, held on Friday, showcased achievements, ongoing reforms and fresh commitments toward strengthening Meghalaya’s emergency response systems.
Our correspondent reports that Director of Civil Defence and Chief Guest, M K Sangma, delivered a detailed address acknowledging the dedication of officers, volunteers and personnel of the State Disaster Response Force. He congratulated award recipients and emphasised the force’s readiness, citing recent high-risk rescue operations including the November 20 incident at Danakgre, Tura, where SDRF personnel, in coordination with Fire & Emergency Services, rescued three labourers trapped under debris and later recovered another victim’s body. He also referenced retrieval efforts following drownings in the Ganol and Umkhen rivers, at Umshing and Sohiong, and during the search for a missing couple at Sohra.
Calling these actions “examples of outstanding courage and professionalism,” Sangma said the Organisation continues to evolve with the challenges of modern emergencies. “Every successful operation is a reminder of our commitment to protecting lives,” he said, adding that Meghalaya’s terrain and climatic conditions demand a highly trained and adaptable response system.
Our correspondent adds that Sangma outlined new infrastructure and technological upgrades, beginning with air raid sirens installed across districts to improve public alert systems. He said plans are underway to extend these sirens to sub-divisions and blocks under the State Disaster Response Fund’s Preparedness and Capacity Building Scheme. He noted that Meghalaya’s Central Training Institute is among the 17 institutes in the country authorised to implement the scheme and has already trained 34 Master Trainers under Phase I, including trainers from Mizoram and Tripura.
The Director also informed the gathering that seven district Civil Defence offices are currently training the fourth batch of volunteers and wardens, with a target of 360 participants by the end of December. Recruitment for 445 posts, including sub-inspectors, guardsmen, drivers and support staff, was completed in record time, alongside the State’s first Rozgar Mela under the department.
A major reform highlighted during the event was the restructuring of the State Disaster Response Force and Border Wing Home Guards into a semi-volunteer force. The reorganisation covers 708 permanent posts to be integrated into two SDRF battalions: one headquartered in Shillong for the Eastern Range and the other based in Tura for the Western Range. Sangma explained that the Director of Civil Defence will now serve as Inspector General of SDRF, supported by the Joint Director as Deputy Inspector General. “This restructuring marks a decisive step to enhance operational strength,” he said.
Infrastructure development also featured prominently in Sangma’s speech. Construction of a new Civil Defence and Home Guards office complex in Jowai is underway, with plans to build a permanent Directorate office at Mawkasiang. “We are committed to creating modern administrative and training hubs that will improve efficiency across the organisation,” Sangma said.
Our correspondent reports that the Director stressed the need for community-oriented training and partnership with traditional institutions, NGOs, teachers, students and government officials. He said climate change, urbanisation and technological disruptions require a disaster response system that is flexible, well-informed and rooted in community readiness.
Encouraging citizens to join training programmes, he added, “When you participate in Home Guard training, you are serving your State and your nation. Ordinary citizens, when trained, organised and inspired, can do extraordinary things for their community.”
Our correspondent adds that the ceremonial parade was a highlight of the occasion, featuring contingents from the Border Wing Home Guards and the Central Training Institute accompanied by brass and pipe bands. The parade was commanded by Deputy Controller of Civil Defence, John Kennedy Diengdoh, with Inspector Mark A Thubru as second-in-command.
Awards were presented to officers and personnel for exemplary service, including the President’s Meritorious Service Medal awarded to Havildar Prafulla Basumatry of the Border Wing Home Guards. Five recipients received the DG Disc and Commendation Certificates for their distinguished contributions. The Joint Commandant General of Home Guards also presented the Director General’s Commendation Certificate 2025 to recognise exceptional professionalism within the department.
The event featured a dynamic demonstration by SDRF teams, showcasing rescue techniques and rapid response drills, followed by an impressive band display. Senior officials including Under Secretary Smti T Nongneng and Adviser Shri Nehru D Marak were present.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri B Warjri, Commandant of the Central Training Institute, marking the end of a ceremony that reaffirmed Meghalaya’s commitment to public safety and disaster resilience.
