Lucknow: In a landmark move towards disaster management and citizen safety, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has announced the implementation of the Civil Defence Corps in all 75 districts of the state. A formal notification was issued by the Governor’s office on Thursday, making it the first time since 1962 that the system will cover the entire state.
Until now, Civil Defence was operational in only 24 districts. The move marks a significant expansion aimed at enhancing the state’s capability to handle emergencies more efficiently.
Historical Background of Civil Defence in UP
The Civil Defence system was first introduced in Uttar Pradesh in 1962, initially established in 15 key districts: Narora, Bulandshahr, Mathura, Agra, Kanpur Nagar, Bareilly, Jhansi, Moradabad, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Saharanpur, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Nagar (Chandauli).
In 2015, the program was extended to 11 more districts. The latest directive expands it to the remaining 49 districts, bringing full-state coverage for the first time in over six decades.
District Magistrates Appointed as Civil Defence Commandants
As part of the implementation strategy, the District Magistrate (DM) in each district will serve as the Commandant/Controller of the Civil Defence Corps. The DMs have been tasked with identifying suitable land for Civil Defence facilities, with coordination from the Chief Development Officer and Additional District Magistrate (Finance & Revenue).
This administrative model ensures direct integration with local governance and allows for swift response during disasters.
List of 49 New Districts to Receive Civil Defence Units
According to Minister of State for Home Guard and Civil Defence, Dharmveer Prajapati, the 49 districts where Civil Defence units are being newly established include:
Ambedkar Nagar, Amethi, Auraiya, Unnao, Bahraich, Barabanki, Ballia, Bijnor, Badaun, Chitrakoot, Deoria, Etah, Etawah, Fatehpur, Hardoi, Hathras, Jalaun, Jaunpur, Kannauj, Amroha, Kasganj, Kanpur Dehat, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghazipur, Hapur, Hamirpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Lalitpur, Kushinagar, Kaushambi, Mahoba, Mainpuri, Maharajganj, Mau, Pilibhit, Pratapgarh, Rampur, Rae Bareli, Sambhal, Sant Ravidas Nagar, Sant Kabir Nagar, Shahjahanpur, Shamli, Sitapur, Shravasti, Sonbhadra, Sultanpur, Siddharth Nagar, Balrampur.
Comprehensive Emergency Services Under One Roof
The Civil Defence Corps will be equipped with 12 core emergency services, designed to manage a wide range of crises. These include–
- Headquarters Service
- Casualty Service
- Rescue Service
- Body Disposal Service
- Communication Service
- Fire Service
- Welfare Service
- Salvage Service
- Protection of Unclaimed Properties
- Warden Service
- Training Service
- Supply and Depot & Transport Service
This structure is expected to drastically improve emergency preparedness, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, where such services are often inadequate.
Employment and Training Opportunities for Youth
In addition to improving disaster response, the initiative is also expected to generate new training and employment opportunities for local youth. By integrating Civil Defence with district administrations, the government aims to foster community participation in emergency services and preparedness.
A Step Toward Safer and More Resilient Uttar Pradesh
This decision underscores the Yogi government’s commitment to strengthening internal security and public welfare infrastructure. It also places Uttar Pradesh at the forefront of states with comprehensive disaster response mechanisms, better equipping it to handle both natural and man-made emergencies.
