Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay emphasized that active public participation, preparedness, and coordination are critical for effective disaster response. Speaking at an interaction with “Aapda Mitra” volunteers organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi, he praised the role of trained community volunteers in saving lives during emergencies. The Minister reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to building a strong, people-centric disaster management system and highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Ten-Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction, which has earned India global recognition.

Highlighting the growing strength of the Aapda Mitra program, the Minister noted that over one lakh trained volunteers, along with youth organizations such as NSS, NCC, My Bharat, and Bharat Scouts and Guides, are actively contributing to disaster preparedness nationwide. He welcomed the participation of 150 Aapda Mitra volunteers in the Republic Day Parade and the special NDMA tableau, calling it a proud moment for community-based disaster response. The Minister also launched guidelines on Disaster Victim Identification and Management, distributed digital certificates to “Your Friend” volunteers, and called for improved data systems and coordinated efforts to enhance preparedness at district and national levels.