BHUBANESWAR: In a public appeal, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday urged citizens to enroll as volunteers in the state’s civil defence wing. The chief minister has directed the expansion of civil defence operations from its existing coverage of 12 districts to additional regions.The chief minister emphasised that safeguarding people’s lives and property within the country is a collective responsibility. He stated that security and service are paramount duties, and encouraged young individuals to step forward and join the civil defence organisation as volunteers, driven by patriotic sentiment.Majhi called for reinforcing the commitment to service and nationalism. “With a sense of nationalism, I urge the general public, especially the youth, to volunteer for the civil defence organization. The youth are our hope, trust, and symbol of strength. Let us further strengthen the spirit of service and nationalism,” Majhi said in a video appeal.According to the chief minister, interested persons can submit their applications to district collectors, who serve as civil defence controllers in districts. According to govt officials, no age limits nor educational qualifications are required to serve as civil defence volunteers.“These volunteers will receive training and will assist the public when required, guided by principles of service and patriotism. Currently, the civil defence organisation operates in 12 locations statewide. Instructions have been given to establish new units in other regions as required,” Majhi said.The chief minister expressed confidence that many individuals, particularly young people, will step forward with a spirit of service and nationalism.The development came days after the Centre asked all states to strengthen their civil defence preparedness amid tension between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror strike. The Centre on Friday asked all states to invoke civil defence measures under the Civil Defence Act and Rules of 1968 amid India-Pakistan border tensions.“We have already initiated efforts to strengthen our civil defence wing. On May 8, chief secretary Manoj Ahuja instructed district collectors to boost volunteer enrolment to enhance the state’s wartime response capabilities,” a govt official said.The civil defence unit, operating under the state directorate of fire services, home guards and civil defence, has experienced significant neglect over the years, unlike its counterpart wings, according to govt sources.The number of civil defence volunteers in Odisha has drastically reduced from 21,000 a decade ago to merely 753 active members currently, with 401 stationed in Bhubaneswar, according to official sources. Unlike govt-recruited firefighters and home guards, civil defence volunteers are enrolled into the voluntary service through a simple application process. (EOM)