OneWorld.net (U.S.)

Tejus Crisis and Trauma Foundation, a non-governmental organisation of Bangalore, has launched "Prerana," a disaster management initiative.

The objectives will be to prevent disasters, offer rescue services, train citizens to handle natural calamities and help others in times of need such as a major fire or floods. Citizens with training would be able to help the fire services or home guards during emergency.

The NGO has been functional since 2004 and has conducted several workshops and training programmes in various educational institutions. "Our effort is to see how we can equip people in terms of education and training so that they can deal with the disasters," said E.K. Kutty, adviser, Tejas, and former Director, Indian Space Research Organisation.

Mr. Kutty said: "Twenty-five years ago, there was a circus tragedy in Rajaji Nagar where 250 people died, and within a span of one month there were another couple of such incidents, since then we have been feeling the need to start an organisation which can help people deal with disaster. We have conducted a live demonstration on fire fighting at an educational institution."

Pradeep K.K., president of the organisation said: "The courses are offered free of cost and are a service to society. We can conduct a course in a residential area provided a few people are ready to get together."

Technological and financial support to the NGO is being provided by Influx Technologies Private Limited. The organization has also collaborated with Hosmat Hospital to conduct first aid exercises. The NGO receives support from government agencies such as the police and the fire department and other disaster management agencies.

The Hindu