The recent landslip at Karinchola that claimed 14 lives is among the incidents that prompted the local bodies to consider forming a rescue team. | Photo Credit: S_RAMESHKURUP more-in Fed up with the usual long wait for the arrival of rescue teams when disasters strike, panchayats in the hilly regions of the district are planning to form their own Community Rescue Volunteer (CRV) teams to swing into action during natural calamities. Supported by the Revenue Department and the District Disaster Management Authority, the teams are likely to be a reality in various grama panchayats under Koduvally, Perambra, Kunnummal and Balussery blocks within two months. The local bodies came up with the initiative as similar squads earlier formed in various taluks had been found successful in attending to critical situations and efficiently coordinating with other rescue squads. The recent Karinchola landslip that claimed 14 lives is among the incidents that prompted the local bodies to consider forming a rescue team for instant help. Among the grama panchayats, Koodaranhi will form the first CRV, enrolling members of various voluntary organisations in Koduvally block. The panchayat has already conducted the first phase of training in various rescue activities under the leadership of an expert agency comprising doctors and emergency medical technicians. According to members of Koodaranhi panchayat, the presence of CRV teams during calamities will be a huge relief to local residents till the arrival of bigger forces. At Kattippara, it was the local rescue operators who managed the situation well till the National Disaster Response Force and fire service squads arrived, they said. The 20-member CRV teams are likely to be formed in Kodenchery, Kattippara, Koorachundu, Thiruvambadi, Koodaranhi, Chakkittappara and Kavilumpara panchayats. The required field training and technical support will be extended to the team members by Fire and Rescue Services personnel from various regional units. Revenue Department officials from various taluks too will support the initiative. In Kozhikode district, Kakkodi was the first grama panchayat to form a CRV team. It was launched by Local Administration Minister K.T. Jaleel last year. The group was formed by selecting five members from each from 21 wards in the panchayat. They were also trained by professional rescue teams. Another district-level CRV group, comprising 300 members, was launched by the Fire and Rescue Services Department. Students of Government Nursing College, Kozhikode, and Government Arts and Science College, Meenchanda, were its members. They were all trained to swing into action during natural calamities, fire breakout, gas leakage, electric short circuit, and other life-threatening situations.

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