Chandigarh Civil Defence Volunteers, Chandigarh – In a powerful display of patriotism and civic responsibility, thousands of Chandigarh residents, predominantly youth, gathered at Tagore Theatre and Tiranga Urban Park on Saturday to enroll as Civil Defence Volunteers.
The unprecedented response followed an appeal by the Chandigarh Administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, inviting citizens above 18 years to support emergency preparedness amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
The call comes in the wake of the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent military exchanges, including Pakistan’s drone and missile attacks on Chandigarh and other Indian cities on May 8, 2025.
A Surge of National Pride
The enrollment drive, held on May 10, 2025, at Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, and later expanded to Tiranga Urban Park, Sector 17, due to the overwhelming turnout, saw over 3,000 young citizens register as volunteers.
Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, addressing the crowd, praised the youth’s enthusiasm, drawing parallels to India’s unsung heroes during the wars of 1962, 1965, and 1971. “They had no medals, but they had the heart of India beating inside them,” Kataria said, emphasizing the volunteers’ role in fostering resilience. The event resonated with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Hindustan Zindabad,” reflecting a unified spirit across diverse communities.
Training and Responsibilities
The volunteers underwent a three-hour training session conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Chandigarh Fire Department.
The training covered essential emergency response techniques, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, fire safety (handling LPG, oil, or electrical fires), and evacuation protocols.
Deputy Commissioner Yadav announced that selected volunteers would be deployed across sectors, markets, and nearby villages to assist in relief, rehabilitation, and public awareness during the ongoing conflict. “There is no fixed target for numbers, nor any maximum age limit. Female volunteers are welcome,” Yadav stated, highlighting the inclusive nature of the program.
Context of India-Pakistan Tensions
The volunteer drive follows a series of security measures in Chandigarh, prompted by heightened India-Pakistan tensions.
On May 7, 2025, Chandigarh participated in a nationwide civil defence mock drill across 244 districts, involving blackout simulations and air raid sirens to prepare for potential hostile attacks.
The city faced a three-hour blackout on May 8 after Pakistan targeted 26 Indian locations, including Chandigarh, with drones and missiles, neutralized by India’s Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems.
India’s retaliatory strikes under “Operation Sindoor” targeted Pakistani airbases, escalating the situation. The Chandigarh Administration also imposed restrictions, closing non-essential businesses from 7 PM on May 9 to 6 AM on May 10 and banning outdoor lighting to counter drone threats.
Key Details of the Civil Defence Volunteer Program
The following table summarizes essential information about the Chandigarh Civil Defence Volunteer program:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Date | May 10, 2025 |
| Venue | Tagore Theatre, Sector 18; Tiranga Urban Park, Sector 17 |
| Eligibility | Citizens above 18 years; no upper age limit |
| Training Duration | 3 hours (one-time session) |
| Training Topics | CPR, first aid, fire safety, evacuation protocols |
| Organizers | Chandigarh Administration, NDRF, Fire Department |
| Deployment Areas | Sectors, markets, nearby villages |
| Contact | chandigarh.gov.in |
Public Sentiment and Volunteer Voices
The massive turnout reflected Chandigarh’s resolve to contribute to national security. Volunteers like Varun Sharma, a 20-year-old resident, expressed enthusiasm: “Our Josh is high, Sir!”
Karanbir Singh, another volunteer, emphasized unity: “India is united, India is strong.” Jeevtesh Singh Arora, who attended with friends and family, noted the training’s practical value: “We learned how to help the elderly, use a fire extinguisher, and offer first aid.”
An elderly woman over 65 and an 18-year-old boy were among the diverse participants, showcasing intergenerational solidarity.
Broader Civil Defence Efforts
Chandigarh’s initiative aligns with India’s broader civil defence strategy under the Civil Defence Act, 1968.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has mobilized over 400,000 volunteers nationwide for mock drills and emergency preparedness, involving National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), and Aapda Mitra volunteers.
Chandigarh’s proactive measures, including a mock drill at Neelam Theatre on May 9, 2025, demonstrate its strategic importance as a Civil Defence district.
The city’s efforts are part of a national push to enhance community resilience, especially in border states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Chandigarh’s Civil Defence Volunteer program has transformed the city into a symbol of unity and preparedness amid challenging times. The overwhelming response from its youth underscores a collective commitment to national safety.
As tensions persist, the trained volunteers stand ready to assist in emergencies, embodying the spirit of resilience. For updates on the program, visit the official Chandigarh Administration website, chandigarh.gov.in. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and avoid spreading unverified information.
