DODA, Oct 7: A major fire broke out in dry grass near Government Higher Secondary School (HSS) Chill, between the habitations of Pani and Gardhan (Rana Mohalla), posing a serious threat to the adjoining villages and nearby properties.
The fire, which reportedly started accidentally in the dry grass, rapidly intensified due to the prevailing dry conditions. The situation became critical as the flames advanced towards the nearby habitations and dangerously approached a cow shed, putting the structure and livestock inside at risk.
Responding promptly to the emergency, NCC cadets of Government Higher Secondary School Chill, under the leadership and close supervision of Associate NCC Officer (ANO) Reshi Singh Rana, joined hands with local residents to fight the advancing flames. Their courage, discipline and coordinated efforts played a crucial role in preventing the fire from spreading towards the two habitation.
ANO Reshi Singh Rana remained present throughout the operation, personally supervising the cadets and guiding them in controlling the fire while ensuring that all firefighting activities were carried out with due caution and regard for the safety of the cadets.
When the flames came dangerously close to the cow shed, the NCC cadets, under the guidance of the ANO and with the assistance of local residents, made determined efforts to protect the shed and rescue the animals. Their timely intervention helped prevent a potentially serious loss of property and livestock.
The firefighting operation received active cooperation from the local people. The combined efforts of the NCC cadets, ANO Reshi Singh Rana and local residents ultimately helped contain the fire and avert a potentially devastating situation for the people of Pana and Gardhan.
The efforts were also supported and appreciated by Principal, Government Higher Secondary School Chill, Sh. Sanjeev K. Badyal, who commended the prompt response, courage and disciplined conduct of the NCC cadets during the emergency.
The incident also demonstrated the practical importance of NCC training. The cadets had recently received hands-on exposure to firefighting and emergency-response techniques during the (J 20 )NCC Camp held at (ZTA), Udhampur. The training provided by the Commanding Officer, 10 J&K NCC Battalion, Bhaderwah, and the NCC training staff proved highly valuable, enabling the cadets to apply their training effectively during the emergency.
ANO Reshi Singh Rana expressed his sincere gratitude to the CO, 10 J&K NCC Battalion, Bhaderwah, and the NCC training staff for providing the cadets with valuable practical firefighting training and exposure during the (J 20)NCC Camp at ZTA Udhampur. He said that the incident demonstrated how practical NCC training can equip young cadets to respond confidently, responsibly and effectively during real-life emergencies.
The courageous response of the NCC cadets, under the supervision of ANO Reshi Singh Rana, coupled with the timely cooperation of local residents, not only helped contain the fire but also prevented a major threat to the nearby habitation.
It saved nearly 15 houses from catching fire in Rana Mohalla and Pani .
The incident once again highlighted the important role of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in instilling discipline, courage, leadership, teamwork and a strong sense of social responsibility among young citizens, enabling them to make a meaningful contribution to society during emergencies.