Tripura is all set to conduct a mega mock exercise on disaster management on Wednesday. In West Tripura, 12 locations have been identified for the mock exercise-- 6 for landslides and 6 for floods.
A day before the mock drill, the Tripura Disaster Management Authority (TDMA) successfully conducted a table top exercise at the secretariat conference hall.
A press release said, this exercise served as a crucial preparatory step for the upcoming full-scale mock exercise, scheduled for July 9, 2025, which will focus on flood and landslide scenarios across the state.
The table top exercise's primary objective was to enhance coordination and effectiveness among various stakeholders in managing disaster situations within Tripura.
The exercise has been conducted in accordance with the direction of Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha to be fully prepared for any crisis in monsoon season, the press release said.
The exercise witnessed robust participation from key government officials, including the Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Secretary of Revenue Brijesh Pandey and Secretary of PWD and Health Kiran Gitte.
Also in attendance were all Incident Response System (IRS) members, representatives from the Army, Central Para Military Forces (CPMF) such as Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, NDRF/ and SDRF, along with key line departments and central agencies. District Magistrates & Collectors, accompanied by district-level line departments, participated virtually via video conference.
Major General Sudhir Bahl (Retd), Lead Consultant, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), facilitated the conduct of the whole exercise. He meticulously simulated various flood and landslide scenarios, strategically injecting dynamic requirements to rigorously test the readiness and response mechanisms of all participating entities.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Secretary underscored the critical importance of such mock exercises and the necessity of fostering superior coordination among all stakeholders for an effective disaster response within the state.
He emphasized that these exercises are not designed for fault-finding but to serve as invaluable learning opportunities to improve and ensure a more effective response in actual disaster situations.
The District Magistrates & Collectors outlined their respective preparedness levels for worst-case scenarios, demonstrating their readiness to tackle potential calamities.
Significant emphasis was placed on the necessity of establishing better and more regular coordination with the Army, CPMF, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to effectively augment emergency responses by the state administration.
From the NDMA, Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain, Member, NDMA, joined the proceedings via video conference from New Delhi. He highly appreciated the proactive initiative undertaken by the Tripura State in general and Revenue Department in particular. He advised the state to sustain this spirit and further intensify efforts in effective disaster risk reduction activities, specifically by addressing the unique needs and vulnerabilities of gender, children, the sick, and veterans.
He also profoundly underscored the importance of adhering 10 the Prime Minister's comprehensive 10-point agenda on risk reduction. Following the highly successful table top exercise, it was officially announced that a state-wide full-scale mock exercise will be conducted tomorrow, July 9, 2025, at approximately 60 locations across Tripura.
This upcoming mock exercise will realistically simulate various scenarios including floods, landslides, search and evacuation of local communities from vulnerable locations. Extending thanks to all participants of the exercise, the Secretary, Revenue appealed all citizens of Tripura not to panic but to support the upcoming mock exercise. He emphasised that the active involvement of the communities is crucial to collectively enhance preparedness and strengthen the state's overall disaster response capabilities.
This comprehensive Table Top Exercise, coupled with the announcement of tomorrow's full scale mock exercise, unequivocally underscores Tripura’s unwavering commitment to continuously strengthening its disaster management capabilities and ensuring the utmost safety and well-being of its citizens in the face of natural calamities. This was informed by the Revenue Department through a press release.