Context

In the 17th foundation of NDMA, the Government launched two new initiatives:

• Aapda Mitra Scheme
• Common Alerting Protocol

Key-highlights of the scheme

AapdaMitra Scheme:

• AapdaMitra scheme is to prepare the public and up-gradation of skills of people who have the zeal to fight against disaster, work for others and save people by risking their lives.
• In this initiative, arrangements can be made to make them aware of all protocols and take immediate action in case of disaster.
• This scheme has been implemented on an experimental basis in 30 flood-prone districts of 25 states. 
• Under this initiative, work has been done to prepare 5,500 Aapda Mitras and Aapda Sakhis for flood protection.

Common Alerting Protocol

• It is to give alerts about the location of lightning 6 minutes in advance and a few hours in advance of a large area. 
• With the help of this initiative,many lives can be saved if early warning agencies and such warnings are implemented.