Kargil, August 21: A UT-level mock disaster management exercise focussing on earthquake, glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), and cloudburst scenarios was successfully conducted in Kargil on Thursday. This was the fourth consecutive year that the Union Territory of Ladakh, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Union Ministry of Home Affairs, organized the drill.
The Table Top Exercise (TTEx) was led by NDMA Consultant (ME&IRS), Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Sudhir Bahl who virtually monitored the activities in Kargil. Deputy Commissioner and CEO, LAHDC-Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; Senior Superintendent of Police, Shree Raam R.; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Imteeaz Kacho; along with senior Officers and Army Officers as well as employees of various Departments participated in the drill at the Conference Hall, Baroo.
The mock exercise began he at 9.00 a.m. with a simulated earthquake. Sirens were sounded, followed by activation of the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) and communication via wireless and satellite systems. Task forces comprising personnel and machinery from various departments were deployed to designated sites under the supervision of the Incident Commander (ADC-Kargil).
The DC, SSP and ADC Kargil subsequently inspected the Staging Area at Council Secretariat Complex and visited simulation sites including District Industries Centre, Kargil and the Indian Oil Corporation Depot to witness demonstrations on scenarios of fire extinguishing, CPR training and rescue drills. Incident Sites were also set up at the District Hospital (earthquake), Titichhumik (landslide) and Ringmospang (GLOF). Further, a Relief Camp was established at RDD Building at Kurbathang.
The entire exercise saw participation of multiple agencies, including the UTDRF, MC-Kargil, Health, Tourism, PHE, PDD, Mechanical, R&B, School Education, Higher Education, GREF, Army,BRO, Al-Reza and Baseej-e-Imam volunteers and several other organizations.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) appreciated the coordinated efforts of all participating Departments, agencies, organizations and volunteers. The efforts and role of Observers were lauded. Further, the need for sustained enthusiasm and preparedness to handle real-life disasters effectively was emphasized.
