Patna: Bihar is building a strong network of trained young disaster volunteers to provide quick assistance during emergencies. Under the National Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme, more than 19,000 young volunteers have been trained as Yuva Aapda Mitras in the state so far.
Between January and July 2026, over 10,233 young people received training in disaster relief and rescue operations, strengthening Bihar’s preparedness to respond to floods, lightning strikes, fires and other emergencies.
The initiative is being implemented by the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) with the aim of creating an organised, trained and committed network of young volunteers who can assist communities during disasters.
Over 10,000 Youth Trained Between January and July 2026
The Yuva Aapda Mitra initiative has gained momentum in Bihar, with thousands of young volunteers receiving specialised training in just seven months.
According to the state authorities:
- More than 19,000 Yuva Aapda Mitras have been trained in Bihar so far.
- 10,233 young volunteers were trained between January and July 2026.
- Volunteers receive seven-day residential training.
- The training focuses on disaster relief and rescue operations.
- The programme aims to create a trained volunteer network across the state.
The trained volunteers are expected to play an important role in providing immediate assistance at the local level during emergencies.
Volunteers Selected from NSS, Scouts and Guides, NYKS and NCC
The Bihar State Disaster Management Authority is selecting young volunteers from established youth organisations for the programme.
The volunteers are being drawn from:
- National Service Scheme (NSS)
- Bharat Scouts and Guides
- Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS)
- National Cadet Corps (NCC)
Selected volunteers undergo a seven-day residential training programme designed to prepare them to respond effectively during challenging situations.
Training Focuses on Rescue Skills, Leadership and Teamwork
The training programme goes beyond theoretical knowledge of disaster management.
It aims to develop practical skills and personal qualities required during emergencies, including:
- Discipline
- Teamwork
- Quick decision-making
- Leadership
- Coordination
- Disaster relief and rescue skills
The objective is to create confident volunteers who can remain calm during difficult situations, help people reach safe locations and coordinate effectively with government authorities and emergency response teams.
Young Volunteers to Help During Floods, Lightning and Fires
Bihar is vulnerable to several types of natural and other disasters, including floods, lightning strikes and fires.
Senior Advisor of the State Disaster Management Authority Ashok Kumar Sharma said that a trained network of young volunteers is particularly important for a disaster-prone state like Bihar.
According to him, Yuva Aapda Mitras will be among the first people available to provide assistance at the local level during emergencies.
Their responsibilities could include:
- Supporting relief and rescue operations.
- Helping people move to safer locations.
- Coordinating with government departments.
- Providing immediate assistance to affected communities.
- Supporting local disaster response efforts.
Yuva Aapda Mitras to Promote Disaster Awareness
The role of the trained volunteers will not be limited to responding after a disaster occurs.
They will also contribute to disaster preparedness and awareness activities in their local communities.
The volunteers are expected to help:
- Spread awareness about disaster risks.
- Promote safe practices among residents.
- Encourage communities to prepare for emergencies.
- Support disaster preparedness activities.
- Help people understand how to respond during crises.
This approach aims to strengthen disaster resilience at the community level and ensure that people are better prepared before an emergency occurs.
Trained Youth to Work as a Support Network for Administration
In the event of a disaster anywhere in Bihar, trained Yuva Aapda Mitras will coordinate with relevant government departments and assist in providing quick support.
The initiative seeks to ensure that trained volunteers are available at the grassroots level, where they can respond quickly before additional assistance reaches affected areas.
The programme’s broader message is that disaster management should not remain limited to government agencies alone. By creating a trained network of young volunteers, communities themselves can become an important part of the state’s disaster preparedness and response system.
With more than 19,000 Yuva Aapda Mitras already trained and over 10,000 trained in the first seven months of 2026, Bihar is expanding its youth-led disaster response network to build a more prepared, resilient and responsive society.
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