Ladakh admn holds table top exercise to deal with natural calamity

In wake of recent flash floods and cloudbursts amid advisory by the Meteorological Department that increment weather conditions may continue in the region, the Ladakh administration held a table top exercise to deal with any natural calamity.

The comprehensive table top exercise on disaster preparedness was conducted in Leh under the chairmanship of Ladakh Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal to enhance inter-agency coordination and strengthen response mechanisms for natural disasters in the region.

The exercise was held in the presence of the Administrative Secretary, Disaster Management, Shashanka Ala; Leh Deputy Commissioner Romil Singh Donk; SSP Shruti Arora and other senior district officers.

Key participants in the exercise included Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd), who is the member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA); and Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 14 Corps.

The exercise simulated multiple disaster scenarios, including earthquakes and flash floods, to assess the readiness and coordination between civil and military agencies in Ladakh’s unique and challenging terrain.

The UT Disaster Response Force (UT-DRF) presented the current preparedness levels and response strategies, outlining Ladakh’s vulnerability profile as a high seismic zone and the rising risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and cloudburst-induced flash floods.

Director, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Sonam Lotus, made a detailed presentation on early warning and disaster forecasting mechanisms, stressing the role of timely alerts, weather forecasting and the challenges posed by Ladakh’s complex topography.

Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) highlighted the importance of regular mock drills to build knowledge and preparedness at all levels.

Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla also underlined Ladakh’s vulnerability to extreme weather hazards and the need for proactive mitigation measures.

Addressing the participants, Chief Secretary Kotwal emphasised synergy among stakeholders for timely and effective response and commended the collaborative efforts of the armed forces and civil administration in safeguarding the region.

As part of the exercise, Maj Gen Sudhir Bahl (retd), who is the consultant NDMA, delivered a presentation on earthquake hazards, multi-sector preparedness and structured response strategies, focusing on immediate action plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The deliberations also highlighted the critical role of community members as first responders, the need for robust wireless communication, availability of machinery, medical facilities, and effective coordination through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).