Mock Drill on Disaster Management Conducted in West Tripura: Over 500 Officials Participate
In a major exercise aimed at bolstering disaster preparedness, the District Magistrate of West Tripura, Dr. Vishal Kumar, announced on Wednesday that more than 500 officials from 17 different agencies participated in a mock drill conducted successfully at Umakanta Academy School, Agartala. The drill, held in two phases, was organized to assess the district’s readiness to handle disasters such as earthquakes and air raids.
Speaking at a post-drill media briefing, Dr. Kumar said, “Following the directives of the Central government, similar drills have been conducted in 244 districts across the country. Umakanta Academy School was chosen as the local venue for this important exercise. Through this drill, we examined our preparedness to manage emergencies like earthquakes and air raids, ensuring our response mechanisms are in place.”
As part of the Nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drill on Emergency Preparedness, a successful exercise was conducted today in Agartala to assess and strengthen emergency response readiness.#CivilDefenceMockDrill pic.twitter.com/c962v72eTd
— MyGov Tripura (@mygovtripura) May 7, 2025
Phased Execution of the Drill
The mock drill was strategically divided into two phases to simulate varying levels of emergency response. The first phase commenced at 4 pm, followed by the second phase at 5:30 pm. According to Dr. Kumar, the drill saw participation from a diverse group of officials, including personnel from the armed forces, volunteers from social organizations, and teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Apada Mitra, a local volunteer organization, also played a significant role. Notably, the involvement of the general public, especially students from the host school, was highly commendable, reflecting community commitment to safety.
“Despite the short notice, the enthusiasm shown by students and community members was remarkable. Their participation was essential in simulating real-life emergency scenarios,” Dr. Kumar remarked, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.
|Also Read : Statewide Civil Defence Mock Drill in Tripura on May 7 |
Identifying Gaps and Areas of Improvement
However, Dr. Kumar candidly acknowledged that the drill exposed certain lapses in response. One of the primary challenges observed was the complacent attitude of some community members, which Dr. Kumar attributed to a lack of exposure to such situations. “It is natural for people to react slowly when they are not accustomed to facing emergencies regularly,” he explained.
To address these gaps, the administration plans to undertake extensive community mobilization initiatives. “Our goal is to build a culture of preparedness within the community. We will be focusing on awareness drives and training sessions to ensure people react swiftly and appropriately in real crisis situations,” Dr. Kumar added.
Mock drill conducted today at Umakanta Academy from 3 PM to enhance disaster preparedness & inter-agency coordination.#MockExercise #DisasterPreparedness #WestTripura #CivilDefence pic.twitter.com/ljFjrf9LF5
— DM & Collector, West Tripura (@DMWest_Tripura) May 7, 2025
Collaborative Effort of Multiple Agencies
Highlighting the successful collaboration between various agencies, Dr. Kumar expressed gratitude to the armed forces, including BSF and CRPF personnel, for their unwavering support. “Several agencies proactively reached out to participate. The supervision from senior officials ensured that the exercise was conducted smoothly and effectively,” he noted.
The District Magistrate also lauded the role of volunteers from Apada Mitra and social organizations, whose proactive involvement made the drill a practical learning experience for everyone. The coordinated efforts demonstrated the significance of unified actions during emergencies.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Disaster Management
Reflecting on the outcome of the drill, Dr. Kumar remained optimistic about the district’s capacity to handle potential disasters. “Given the positive response and the successful completion of the exercise, we are confident in our ability to manage similar situations more effectively in the future,” he concluded.
The mock drill at Umakanta Academy School marks a significant step in strengthening disaster management strategies in West Tripura. Moving forward, the administration aims to incorporate the lessons learned into comprehensive disaster response plans, involving local communities and agencies more dynamically. Through continued drills, awareness programs, and community engagement, the district hopes to foster a resilient and well-prepared society.
