NDRF conducts disaster management awareness drive in Sirmauri Tal

The 14th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Regional Response Team-Nalagarh, conducted a comprehensive disaster management awareness campaign and mock drill at Government High School, Sirmauri Tal, on Saturday. The event was part of the NDRF’s familiarisation exercise in the region and was conducted in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Sirmaur.

School Principal Dinesh Kumar said a 31-member NDRF team, under the leadership of Commanding Officer Baljinder Singh, carried out the activities. The team was coordinated by Assistant Commandant Santosh Kumar, with Inspector Mahender Singh Negi, Sub-Inspector Mohit Kumar and constable Premjeet playing key roles in the execution of the event.

The programme focused on educating students and staff about disaster preparedness, civil defence measures and emergency response techniques. A detailed awareness session, followed by a practical mock drill, was conducted to demonstrate real-time responses to emergency situations such as earthquakes, fires and floods.

Approximately 108 students from the school actively participated in the session, receiving hands-on training and demonstrations on life-saving techniques, use of emergency kits, evacuation procedures and first-aid. Additionally, nine teaching and non-teaching staff members were also part of the training, enhancing the overall preparedness level of the institution.

Tehsildar and Executive Magistrate of Paonta Sahib, Rishabh Sharma, who is also the nodal officer for disaster management in the region, was present at the event and appreciated the efforts of the NDRF and the school for promoting disaster resilience through community engagement. Principal Dinesh Kumar expressed his gratitude to the NDRF and DDMA, Sirmaur, for organising the vital exercise and emphasised the importance of such training.