Home Guards learn flood rescue operations

MANGALORE: At sharp 8 am, as many as 50 young Home Guards personnel assemble on the banks of the Gurpur river near Kulur on the outskirts of the city to take a plunge into the river.
No, this isn''t a picnic, it''s serious business. It''s a drill that prepares volunteers in rescue operations during flash floods —a common feature in the district.
The men risk strong undercurrents of the river to train volunteers.Welcome to the annual training camp organised by the district Home Guards, which began here on Tuesday.
Shivaprasad Rai, district commandant of Home Guards, in conversation with Times of India recalled the services rendered by his men during the recent flash floods, which wreaked havoc in some parts of the district.
The camp helps the new recruits to be prepared to serve community during the crisis, he said. "The men who dare and risk their lives during natural calamities often go unnoticed," he remarked.
On training in the week-long camp, deputy commandant P. Devidas said the men are "pushed to the limit". Besides the training in swimming and rowing, confidence is instilled in them to handle crisis situations.
"Mind plays a very important role in such situations, he said.
Fibre and assault boats, bamboo shoots for preparing makeshift floats, dry coconuts and other floating aids are used during the training with mock drills, he stated.
The district administration has provided the Home Guards with adequate equipment to conduct the camp.
Trained Home Guard personnel and experts from outside are employed to give the best. The practical training in Gurpur river is accompanied by theory classes at the Home Guards headquarters in the city, he informed.
Home Guards resource person Ramesh, platoon commander of Mangalore unit V. Subraya Pai and experts — Keshava, Devdas Shetty and Ramprasad from Jeppinamogeru —monitor the programme.
Commandant S.P. Rai said the enthusiasm levels among the youth were very high. In the last few years, the role of Home Guards has seen an exponential rise with their deployment during times of crisis — floods, bandobast of VIP movements and mass socio-cultural and religious gatherings.
"However, the force keeps a low profile and means only business," he said.