In a significant move aimed at bolstering emergency preparedness, the National Capital Region (NCR) is set to host its first-ever large-scale mock disaster drill on August 1. Titled ‘Suraksha Chakra’, this exercise will simulate scenarios related to earthquakes, industrial incidents, and chemical hazards across 55 distinct locations within 11 districts of Delhi.
Spearheaded by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), this extensive drill will see coordinated efforts from a range of agencies, including the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Indian Army’s Western Command, Headquarters Delhi Area, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Police, as well as civil defense, fire services, and health and transport departments. Additionally, disaster management units from neighboring Uttar Pradesh and Haryana will contribute to this comprehensive exercise.
In preparation for the mega drill, a stakeholder symposium is scheduled for July 29, followed by table-top exercises on July 30 at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi. These preparatory sessions will focus on strategic discussions among various agencies to enhance coordinated response plans for the region.
Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, a member of the NDMA, emphasized that the initiative exemplifies the government’s comprehensive approach to fostering disaster resilience. He highlighted that the Delhi-NCR area faces heightened risks associated with earthquakes and complex urban disasters, underscoring the necessity of rigorous preparedness activities.
DDMA CEO Krishan Kumar reassured citizens that the high visibility of police, fire, and emergency response vehicles across the city on the day of the drill should not evoke panic. He encouraged the public to regard the exercise as a standard preparedness measure.
Moreover, the drill will extend beyond Delhi, with similar simulations planned for two districts in Uttar Pradesh, namely Noida and Ghaziabad, as well as five districts in Haryana: Gurugram, Faridabad, Palwal, Nuh, and Rewari.
Lt Gen Hasnain also noted that the drill would encompass scenarios involving chemical and fire hazards, with a focus on resource mapping and response coordination. He stated that the outcomes of ‘Suraksha Chakra’ will help identify existing gaps in the current disaster management framework, allowing for the development of more effective response strategies.
The NDMA has previously conducted over 200 small- and large-scale mock disaster exercises throughout India in the last five years. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has mandated that such drills be conducted in every district across the country at least once every three years, as part of efforts to enhance local disaster response capabilities.
Overall, the ‘Suraksha Chakra’ drill aims to fortify the disaster management ecosystem in Delhi-NCR, ultimately ensuring that emergency services are more equipped to protect lives and property in the event of a real disaster.
