In a move to bolster disaster preparedness, Agartala will conduct a large-scale earthquake response drill at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport on Thursday. West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar announced the exercise as a vital step in testing and enhancing the city’s readiness for seismic events. The drill, which will simulate a major earthquake scenario, involves coordination between the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), law enforcement, fire departments, and other key emergency agencies.
Speaking at a press briefing, Dr. Kumar emphasized that the drill is crucial for identifying gaps in the city’s emergency response systems, especially with Agartala’s rapid urban expansion and land-use transformations that heighten its disaster vulnerability. “This exercise will help us fine-tune communication and rescue protocols, ensuring a more effective and coordinated response during real emergencies,” he stated.
The initiative is part of Agartala’s broader disaster management strategy, which also includes flood resilience measures. Dr. Kumar highlighted that Rs 9 crore has been allocated for flood recovery efforts in Sadar subdivision, with additional funds planned for other affected areas. In addition, urban planning measures, such as a water reservoir in Barjala, aim to support disaster response.
The upcoming drill marks a significant step in Agartala’s ongoing efforts to build a robust and resilient infrastructure capable of addressing a range of natural calamities.
