21 hours ago
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A three-day joint disaster management exercise, 'Exercise Suraksha Chakra', is being held today at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment, with an aim to enhance disaster preparedness and coordination in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Conducted by the Headquarters Delhi Area, the exercise is also organized in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) of Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
The drill occurs in the context of growing alarm about urban disaster risk in India's most populated areas. It deals with two big risks faced by the region, earthquakes and industrial chemical risks and comprises 18 districts (11 from Delhi, 5 from Haryana, and 2 from Uttar Pradesh). It is the first such exercise of this magnitude in NCR with an emphasis on ensuring quality check on joint response mechanisms through live mock drills.
Participation and agenda
On Day 1, important officials such as Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, and Shri Rajendra Singh, Head of Department, NDMA, spoke to delegates. The discussions revolved around risk mapping, inter-agency coordination, and pre-positioning of resources for effective disaster response.
Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, AVSM, VSM, GOC, Delhi Area, presented the vulnerability of the NCR and efforts towards countering those threats. Agencies demonstrated their capabilities and readiness through presentations and an exhibition of advanced relief and rescue equipment by the NDRF and industry partners.
Why it matters now
In light of Delhi’s rapidly urbanising landscape, ageing infrastructure, and proximity to seismic zones, the timing of this drill couldn’t be more relevant. The region has also seen multiple chemical storage and transport-related accidents in the past year, highlighting the need for comprehensive preparedness.
The Delhi-NCR drill is not only an exercise, but a tactical effort to create a robust, responsive ecosystem. It seeks to institutionalise a 'Whole-of-Government' strategy, integrating central forces, civil agencies, technical bodies and early-warning organisations under a single operational umbrella.
What's next?
After the continued tabletop exercises and presentations, the activity will end with a live simulation drill on August 1, encompassing all participating agencies. This will attempt emergency response, communication procedures, and deployment effectiveness in a simulated but realistic environment.
Main objectives of Exercise Suraksha Chakra:
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Better synergy between civil and military disaster relief forces
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Validate regional disaster response plans and SOPs
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Boost preparedness for high-risk incidents in urban agglomerations
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Incorporate strategic guidance with ground-level operational implementation
The drill is now being treated as a model for upcoming urban disaster planning in other major Indian metros. It reiterates the government's drive to enhance disaster resilience in high-density areas.
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