Telangana Fire Department starts training of civil defense volunteers in two universities

A volunteer training program was launched at two universities in fire operations. Image is for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: NAGARA GOPAL

The Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defense Department on Monday (July 6, 2026) launched volunteer civil defense training programs at two universities to build a trained volunteer force capable of assisting in emergencies and disasters.

Volunteers receive theoretical and practical training in rescue operations, firefighting, first aid, crowd management, disaster preparedness, community awareness and aid distribution. They will work with the fire department, police, national disaster response forces and other agencies during emergencies.

A five-day training program has been launched at the Malla Reddy Deemed to be University in Dulapally where 400 volunteers will be trained in various aspects of disaster response and emergency management. The program was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor P. Ravinder Reddy in the presence of fire brigade officials.

At the same time, the second batch of the five-day training program was launched at Veeranari Chakali Ilamma Women’s University, Koti. The inaugural meeting was attended by 200 civil defense volunteers and 50 members of the management, faculty and staff of the university.

Director General of Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defense Vikram Singh Mann said the initiative will strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response across the state. He said trained volunteers will be able to assist line departments during floods, major fires and other disasters before emergency services arrive.

The director general also directed the district offices to maintain updated databases of trained civil defense volunteers to facilitate their deployment during emergencies.

Published – 07 Jul 2026 11:54 IST