Chandigarh Administration Announces Enrolment Drive for Second Batch of Civil Defence Volunteers on Completion of One Year of ‘Operation Sindoor’

Chandigarh, 07 May 2026: On the occasion of the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the Chandigarh Administration has announced the enrolment drive for the second batch of Civil Defence Volunteers (CDVs). The initiative is a significant step towards further strengthening emergency response mechanisms and disaster preparedness in the Union Territory.

In 2025, the first batch of Civil Defence Volunteers was constituted, comprising 419 trained volunteers. These volunteers underwent a 7-day intensive training programme at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Chandigarh. The training included practical sessions, physical fitness assessments, written examinations, and mock drills.

The training was imparted by experts from the Fire Department, Health Department, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Western Command, Indian Army. Key areas of training included disaster response, first aid, rescue operations, evacuation procedures, traffic management, crisis communication, and basic firefighting. Upon successful completion of training, volunteers were provided with Civil Defence uniforms and berets.

The organisational structure of Civil Defence includes Chief Warden, Deputy Chief Warden, Divisional Warden, Deputy Divisional Warden, Post Warden, Deputy Post Warden, and Sector Wardens.

The enrolment drive for the second batch of Civil Defence Volunteers will be held on 8 May 2026 from 12:00 noon onwards at Mahila Bhawan, Sector 38-C, Chandigarh.

On this occasion, the Hon’ble Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, will grace the event as the Chief Guest. A Coffee Table Book highlighting achievements in disaster management and Civil Defence will also be released, and the formal enrolment of the second batch of volunteers will take place.

Applicants must be Indian citizens aged 18 years and above, physically and mentally fit, and willing to undergo the prescribed training.

The Chandigarh Administration has appealed to citizens to come forward and actively participate in this initiative, contributing towards strengthening public safety and building a resilient community.