News & Announcement
Table Top Exercise Conducted Ahead of Sept 12 Mock Drill
Gangtok, September 10 (IPR): In a significant step towards bolstering earthquake disaster preparedness and response capabilities, a Table Top Exercise (TTEx) was conducted today at the conference hall of Tashiling Secretariat.
The session was chaired by Ms Namrata Thapa, Relief Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department (LR&DM), and brought together District Collectors from all six districts, officials from line departments and other key stakeholders involved in disaster management and emergency response.
The TTEx was carried out in view of the state mock drill scheduled for September 12, 2024, being organised by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), LR&DM Department in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The exercise focused on reviewing and fine-tuning response strategies for various earthquake and earthquake-induced GLOF disaster scenarios.
Ms Namrata Thapa, Relief Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, highlighted the importance of proactive disaster management in her address. She emphasised that the exercise is vital for strengthening the state's preparedness and stressed the necessity of being fully equipped to minimise the impact of disasters and protect lives. She urged that preparations should be made in advance, rather than waiting for a disaster to occur.
Major General Sudhir Bahl (Retd), Lead Consultant (ME & IRS), NDMA delivered an insightful briefing on table top and mock drill (earthquake scenario) exercises. He guided participants through the necessary procedures, plans, and policies to be followed during such events, while encouraging all representatives to actively engage in disaster preparedness. He elaborated on the roles and responsibilities of various government departments within the Incident Response System (IRS) framework.
Major General Bahl also highlighted the need for effective Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to ensure that the public is well-informed. He addressed the challenges faced in disaster management and stressed the importance of mobilising state-level resources for a coordinated and effective response.
Additionally, he called for regular reviews of building safety and highlighted the need for frequent building evacuation drills to enhance preparedness at all levels. Specific guidelines were laid out for district-level authorities to ensure seamless execution of the mock drill.
The TTEx provided a platform for participants to discuss various roles and responsibilities during earthquake disaster situations, from early warning dissemination to evacuation procedures and resource mobilisation.
Representatives from disaster management agencies, the police, the army, paramilitary, fire services, health departments, telecommunications and other key stakeholders were present to facilitate a robust dialogue on best practices and areas for improvement.
The TTEx was also addressed by Lt. General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), BAR Member, NDMA, Major General Amit Kabthiyal, GOC, 17th Mountain Division, and Professor VK Sharma, Vice Chairman, SSDMA.
The mock drill, scheduled for September 12, will begin at 9:30 am. Areas identified for the mock drill exercise under Gangtok Sub Division are Deorali Senior Secondary School, DC Office, MG Marg, STNM Hospital, Sochyagang, Sneha Kinetic Power Project Limited, Adampool Highway and Denzong Cinema Hall. A relief camp will be established at Paljor Stadium, while the staging area will be located at Ridge Park, White Hall.
The session was chaired by Ms Namrata Thapa, Relief Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department (LR&DM), and brought together District Collectors from all six districts, officials from line departments and other key stakeholders involved in disaster management and emergency response.
The TTEx was carried out in view of the state mock drill scheduled for September 12, 2024, being organised by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), LR&DM Department in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The exercise focused on reviewing and fine-tuning response strategies for various earthquake and earthquake-induced GLOF disaster scenarios.
Ms Namrata Thapa, Relief Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, highlighted the importance of proactive disaster management in her address. She emphasised that the exercise is vital for strengthening the state's preparedness and stressed the necessity of being fully equipped to minimise the impact of disasters and protect lives. She urged that preparations should be made in advance, rather than waiting for a disaster to occur.
Major General Sudhir Bahl (Retd), Lead Consultant (ME & IRS), NDMA delivered an insightful briefing on table top and mock drill (earthquake scenario) exercises. He guided participants through the necessary procedures, plans, and policies to be followed during such events, while encouraging all representatives to actively engage in disaster preparedness. He elaborated on the roles and responsibilities of various government departments within the Incident Response System (IRS) framework.
Major General Bahl also highlighted the need for effective Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to ensure that the public is well-informed. He addressed the challenges faced in disaster management and stressed the importance of mobilising state-level resources for a coordinated and effective response.
Additionally, he called for regular reviews of building safety and highlighted the need for frequent building evacuation drills to enhance preparedness at all levels. Specific guidelines were laid out for district-level authorities to ensure seamless execution of the mock drill.
The TTEx provided a platform for participants to discuss various roles and responsibilities during earthquake disaster situations, from early warning dissemination to evacuation procedures and resource mobilisation.
Representatives from disaster management agencies, the police, the army, paramilitary, fire services, health departments, telecommunications and other key stakeholders were present to facilitate a robust dialogue on best practices and areas for improvement.
The TTEx was also addressed by Lt. General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), BAR Member, NDMA, Major General Amit Kabthiyal, GOC, 17th Mountain Division, and Professor VK Sharma, Vice Chairman, SSDMA.
The mock drill, scheduled for September 12, will begin at 9:30 am. Areas identified for the mock drill exercise under Gangtok Sub Division are Deorali Senior Secondary School, DC Office, MG Marg, STNM Hospital, Sochyagang, Sneha Kinetic Power Project Limited, Adampool Highway and Denzong Cinema Hall. A relief camp will be established at Paljor Stadium, while the staging area will be located at Ridge Park, White Hall.