Simulated surge: Chamba tests flood readiness with disaster drill near Ravi
In an effort to bolster rapid emergency response mechanisms in the face of natural disasters, a large-scale mock drill was conducted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Mukesh Repaswal, in Chamba district on Thursday. The exercise simulated a critical flood scenario arising from a temporary lake formed due to a massive landslide near Khadamukh in the upper reaches of the Ravi.
The drill focused on evaluating operational readiness, coordination mechanisms and real-time response capabilities in the context of a disaster scenario involving the dam of the National Hydroelectric Project. The simulation assumed a high flood risk to downstream areas caused by the sudden formation of the artificial lake, testing the response of all stakeholders.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Priyanshu Khati played the role of Incident Commander, representing the civil administration. Active participation came from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and various departmental officials, who played key roles in the coordinated response.
The sequence of the drill began in the morning when the Chief Manager of Chamera-III National Hydroelectric Project was alerted by the dam in-charge about the formation of the artificial lake due to the landslide. The District Emergency Operations Centre was immediately notified and placed on high alert. The Deputy Commandant of CISF took on the role of Incident Commander on behalf of the power project.
The emergency centre issued alert messages to all departments concerned. Responders from CISF, Fire Services, Home Guards, Health, Police, Public Works and Food and Civil Supplies, among others, were promptly mobilised to the staging area at Kariyan Helipad. Rescue teams and medical response units, equipped with essential machinery and tools, were deployed to Bagga Dam and Mehla Ghar for relief and rescue operations.
At Kariyan, rescue teams conducted coordinated activities following established protocols to evacuate people trapped due to rising water levels. The teams executed their response drills efficiently amid simulated swift water currents.
DC Mukesh Repaswal lauded the disciplined participation, quick response and coordinated approach demonstrated by all stakeholders, including project management of the National Hydroelectric Corporation and related response agencies. He emphasised that given Chamba’s vulnerability to natural disasters, such mock drills are vital for testing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), refining emergency plans and improving disaster response protocols.
Repaswal also stated that following a detailed review of the mock drill, the necessary insights and recommendations would be incorporated into the District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP) to enhance future preparedness.
