New Delhi, Sept 11: Sounding a warning note on the first anniversary of World Trade Center attacks, defence minister George Fernandes today said citizens right upto village level will have to be trained to deal with nuclear and terrorism related disasters. "The threats are real. Terrorists are equipping themselves with weapons of mass destruction. Training has to reach the smallest villages through panchayats. This is essential against the backdrop of nuclear and terrorism related disasters," Fernandes said.

He was addressing a seminar on 'disaster management and the armed forces - a national effort' organised here by the Army Headquarters and the institution of engineers.
"People have to be trained in dealing with such disasters. It would be a grave blunder not to do so as it (threat) can emerge anytime post nine eleven," he said.
The defence minister also expressed serious concern over the deteriorating environment of the Himalayas saying a "disaster is waiting to take place." Bureau Report