Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, June 6
A nationwide mock drill was conducted on Friday by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the State Disaster Management Authority across all districts of Himachal Pradesh, including the capital Shimla, to assess preparedness for disasters such as earthquakes and fires. In Shimla, the exercise was carried out at key locations including Vikas Nagar Petrol Pump, Portmore School, and IGMC Hospital, which were designated as simulated disaster zones. On receiving information about a fire outbreak at the petrol pump, emergency teams from the fire brigade and disaster management departments responded promptly and brought the situation under control.
Retired Major General Sudhir Bahl, Principal Advisor to the NDMA, reviewed the operations on-site. He stressed that in any real disaster, the initial response often comes from local residents before official teams arrive, underscoring the importance of public awareness and community preparedness.
However, the drill revealed critical shortcomings. “The preparedness expected at the petrol pump was lacking,” Bahl said, noting that several deficiencies were observed. He added that the purpose of such drills is to identify gaps in readiness and to guide improvements in protocols and infrastructure. Authorities have now been briefed on measures to enhance disaster response at sensitive locations like fuel stations, schools, and hospitals, he added.
