Uttarakhand Conducts Statewide Mock Drills to Boost Disaster Preparedness

DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN

In a proactive move to strengthen disaster preparedness, mock drills were conducted across five disaster-prone districts of Uttarakhand — Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Dehradun, and Champawat — on the instructions of Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami. Organized by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), the large-scale exercise was carried out at 23 locations with the objective of improving coordination, ensuring swift relief, and streamlining rescue operations during emergencies.

The mock drills were monitored in real time from the State Emergency Operations Center. District Magistrates were actively present in their respective districts and oversaw the drill activities. Live streaming provided insights into the readiness of various systems, including staging areas, relief camps, incident command posts, and district control centers.

Secretary of Disaster Management Shri Vinod Kumar Suman appreciated the seamless participation of all departments involved. He noted that every official had a clear understanding of their roles under the Incident Response System (IRS). The timely mobilization of resources and prompt execution of rescue and relief measures underscored Uttarakhand’s high level of preparedness.

“The clarity of roles and quick coordination reflect our state’s growing strength in disaster response,” said Suman. “Any shortcomings identified during the drills will be addressed immediately to further enhance efficiency.”

Looking ahead, mock drills will be extended to educational institutions, hospitals, residential complexes, malls, and industrial units. These exercises will simulate various disaster scenarios, including earthquakes, fires, and stampedes. Suman also confirmed that the state is fully equipped to handle more complex emergencies, including chemical, biological, and radiological hazards.

This statewide initiative reinforces Uttarakhand’s commitment to ensuring the safety and resilience of its citizens in the face of potential natural and man-made disasters.