In a comprehensive earthquake preparedness drill held at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) collaborated to strengthen emergency response strategies and enhance public safety awareness. The drill, conducted on Thursday, simulated a high-magnitude earthquake, enabling multiple agencies to test their response capabilities and coordination in a real-time disaster scenario.
Key officials, including West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer Brijesh Pandey, and Major General Ajay Kumar Verma from NDMA, participated in overseeing the operations. Director of MBB Airport Kailash Chandra Mina and Director of Disaster Management, J.V. Doati, were also actively involved in the exercise.
The extensive drill included the participation of rescue teams from a range of agencies such as the NDRF, Assam Rifles, SDRF, Fire Service, Tripura Police, BSF, CRPF, and Civil Defence, among others. With the active involvement of personnel from key organizations, including the Health Department, ONGC, GAIL, TNGCL, and local response teams, the exercise tested their readiness to manage rescue operations, medical assistance, and infrastructure safety in the aftermath of an earthquake.
Chief Electoral Officer Pandey highlighted that the drill aimed to enhance public awareness and ensure the safety of passengers. He also emphasized that similar drills would continue to improve disaster readiness.