Tripura will conduct a mega state-level disaster management mock drill on July 9 across 12 key locations, focusing on flood and landslide preparedness. The NDRF, police, fire services, and central agencies will participate in this crucial exercise to evaluate emergency response readiness and coordination across departments.
Tripura is gearing up for a comprehensive statewide mock drill on disaster management, aimed at evaluating and enhancing the state’s preparedness to tackle natural disasters. Scheduled for July 9 (Wednesday), the exercise will commence simultaneously at various locations across the state from 7:30 AM onwards.
West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar announced the initiative during a press conference held on Tuesday. He said that the mock drill will be organized at the state level, with the central venue being Umakanta Ground in Agartala. The exercise is expected to be a large-scale simulation involving multiple scenarios, including flood and landslide management, which are critical concerns for the state.
According to Dr. Kumar, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will lead the mock drill in collaboration with various state and central agencies. These include the Tripura State Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Assam Rifles, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD), Public Works Department (PWD), and other critical departments.
In West Tripura district alone, 12 strategic locations have been earmarked for the mock drill. These are evenly divided into two categories: six locations will host flood response simulations, while the remaining six will conduct drills related to landslide scenarios.
Under the Sadar sub-division, four prominent locations have been selected for the mega drill—Anandanagar Bottling Plant, Vidyasagar Lake, Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) College Lake, and IGM Hospital. These areas were specifically chosen due to their vulnerability and strategic importance in case of emergencies.
Dr. Kumar emphasized the significance of the drill in light of last year’s natural disasters. “In August last year, the state witnessed unprecedented floods and landslides that caused substantial disruption and damage. The upcoming mock exercise is a proactive initiative to assess our disaster response systems, identify gaps, and improve coordination among multiple response agencies,” he said.
The simulation is expected to test the operational readiness of emergency personnel and their ability to respond swiftly and effectively to real-life disaster situations. The involvement of both civilian and defense forces signifies a coordinated approach towards disaster risk reduction.
Apart from emergency response activities, the mock drill will also focus on public awareness. Local residents in the drill areas will be briefed about emergency protocols and evacuation procedures. The authorities are urging people not to panic during the drill, as it is purely an exercise to improve preparedness.
The mock drill aligns with the national guidelines for disaster management and supports the government’s broader objectives under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. It also acts as a follow-up to several capacity-building workshops held earlier in the year in various districts of Tripura.
Experts from the NDRF have already started training local response teams in the identified areas. This includes dry runs and tabletop exercises to ensure seamless coordination during the main event on July 9.
The state government has also initiated an inter-departmental communication system to ensure that all participating departments are on the same page regarding logistics, response strategy, and communication protocols.
The District Magistrate concluded by saying that such mock drills would become a regular practice in the future to reinforce Tripura’s resilience to natural calamities. “Preparedness is the key to mitigating the effects of disasters. Our aim is to ensure that no life is lost and minimal property damage occurs, even during major emergencies,” he added.
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As Tripura takes this crucial step toward building a disaster-resilient ecosystem, the upcoming drill will serve as both a test and a training ground for all stakeholders involved in disaster response and recovery.
