Aapda Mitra Volunteers
About the Aapda Mitra Scheme
The Aapda Mitra scheme is a flagship disaster volunteer program of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) aimed at strengthening community-level disaster preparedness and response. Under this initiative, community volunteers are trained as first responders to support local administration during emergencies such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, flash floods, urban flooding and other natural hazards.
The term “Aapda Mitra” literally means “Friend in Need During Disasters”, highlighting the crucial role these trained volunteers play in assisting affected individuals and communities immediately after a disaster strikes.
Vision & Purpose
The Aapda Mitra initiative envisages enhanced community resilience by empowering local volunteers with basic disaster response skills and knowledge. These volunteers act as a bridge between the community and formal disaster response agencies, thereby enabling faster and more effective relief and rescue operations at the grassroots level.
Objectives of the Scheme
- Empower local communities by training volunteers in essential disaster response skills.
- Build a strong network of trained volunteers who can assist government agencies before formal support arrives.
- Improve disaster preparedness at the district and community levels.
- Strengthen immediate response capabilities in highly vulnerable areas prone to natural hazards.
Role of Aapda Mitra Volunteers
Aapda Mitra volunteers are trained to:
Act as first responders in their communities.
Provide basic relief and rescue support during emergencies. Assist the District Disaster Management Authority and other agencies in search and rescue, first aid, evacuation support, and early warning dissemination.
Help in community awareness, preparedness drills, and mock exercises. These volunteers act as vital support to the district administration at critical times, especially in the golden hours after a disaster.
Training & Capacity Building
Volunteers selected under the scheme receive structured training on:
Basic disaster management and response techniques.
Life-saving skills, first aid and emergency coordination.
Use of emergency responder kit and personal protective equipment.
Community-based early warning systems and evacuation procedures.
Upon successful completion, trained Aapda Mitras can support DDMA and other disaster agencies in effective and timely disaster response.
North East Delhi Target under the Scheme
Under the AapdaMitra Scheme, 200 volunteers have been trained in North East District and 100 volunteers in Shahdara District. In North East Delhi, these trained Aapda Mitras reside within the district and actively support DDMA North East during disasters and emergencies. As community-level first responders, they assist in first aid, evacuation, search and rescue support, and awareness activities, thereby significantly strengthening the district’s disaster preparedness and response system. Benefits to the Community.
Together, trained Aapda Mitras help:
Strengthen local disaster resilience.
Enhance early response capacity before the deployment of formal rescue teams.
Reduce potential loss of life and property through swift action and community mobilization.
Join the Movement – Be an Aapda Mitra!
The Aapda Mitra program is more than a volunteer scheme — it is a people’s movement for disaster resilience. Young, energetic, and community-driven individuals from North East Delhi are encouraged to participate, promote awareness, and contribute to building a safer, more prepared district.
