Tripura conducted a massive disaster preparedness drill across 76 high-risk locations on Wednesday to assess the state’s readiness in responding to floods, landslides, and other monsoon-related emergencies. Organized by the Tripura Disaster Management Authority (TDMA) with support from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the simulation aimed to test coordination between multiple agencies in real-time.The large-scale exercise was carried out under the supervision of the Revenue Department and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs). It focused on critical response activities such as evacuation, search and rescue operations, setting up of community support centers, and timely distribution of relief materials. The drill covered flood-prone zones, hospitals, and landslide-prone hill areas, simulating worst-case scenarios to ensure comprehensive readiness.
The exercise saw participation from a wide range of responders and support agencies. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were involved. Civil administration, trained volunteers, local NGOs, and community-level responders known as Aapda Mitras also played key roles in the coordinated effort. Public sector undertakings such as ONGC, GAIL, NEEPCO, TNGCL, and OTPC extended logistical and technical support, ensuring the availability of backup resources and infrastructure during the drill. Their involvement highlighted the importance of inter-sectoral cooperation in disaster preparedness.One of the central focuses of the drill was the operational efficiency of Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs), both at the state and district levels. Real-time communication, command structure efficiency, and centralized coordination through the Incident Response System (IRS) were closely monitored. Live video feeds from multiple drill sites enabled the State Emergency Operation Centre to track developments and make timely decisions.
Tripura’s State Relief Commissioner and Incident Commander, Brijesh Pandey, oversaw the proceedings from the central control room. He emphasized that such full-scale drills are vital for enhancing disaster resilience. “Regular disaster simulations help improve our response time, coordination among agencies, and public awareness. We must be prepared not only for floods and landslides but for all types of hazards, including earthquakes,” Pandey said. Following the drill, a debriefing session was held where officials from various agencies reviewed their performance. They identified strengths, gaps, and areas for improvement to fine-tune future emergency responses. The overall consensus was that such exercises are crucial for reducing disaster risks and ensuring that communities remain informed, alert, and prepared.
