The Manipur Directorate of Civil Defence and Home Guards conducted a state-level civil defence mock drill in Imphal on May 6, 2025. The large-scale exercise aimed to test the readiness of emergency services, raise public awareness, and strengthen coordination among various departments in case of natural or man-made disasters.
Held at key locations across the state capital, the mock drill simulated situations such as earthquakes, fire breakouts, and building collapses — hazards Manipur is particularly prone to due to its high seismic activity. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring swift and effective disaster management in the region.
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Strengthening Community-Based Disaster Response
The mock drill was conducted under the guidance of the State Disaster Management Authority and involved participation from the National Disaster Response Force, Manipur Fire Service, Imphal West District Administration, Manipur Police, and various NGOs.
Local civil defence volunteers, NCC cadets from colleges, and members of the Indian Red Cross Society also participated, highlighting the importance of involving communities in disaster preparedness. The drill included evacuation protocols, casualty management, fire control measures, first aid training, and emergency communication drills.
Authorities stressed that community engagement and awareness are essential components of disaster response. The event provided a platform to test coordination between different response teams and identify areas needing improvement.
Focus on Earthquake and Fire Emergency Scenarios
Since Manipur lies in Seismic Zone V, the drill placed a strong emphasis on earthquake preparedness. Emergency teams rehearsed rapid evacuation of multi-storey buildings, search and rescue operations, and temporary medical aid setup for injured individuals.
Another major focus of the mock drill was handling fire emergencies. Teams demonstrated techniques to control electrical and LPG-related fires, common in urban residential areas. The Manipur Fire Service showcased advanced firefighting tools and technology, including water cannons, thermal sensors, and rescue ladders.
Special attention was given to how emergency response teams could operate in densely populated urban areas like Imphal, where narrow lanes and traffic congestion can pose significant challenges during real emergencies.
Government’s Commitment to Disaster Resilience
Officials from the Directorate of Civil Defence stated that this drill is part of a broader strategy to make Manipur a disaster-resilient state by 2030. This includes regular training, technological upgrades, and public awareness campaigns.
The government has initiated efforts to modernize emergency operation centres, strengthen early warning systems, and integrate real-time disaster monitoring tools using satellite and GIS technology. Plans are in place to conduct similar drills in other vulnerable districts such as Tamenglong, Ukhrul, and Churachandpur.
The Chief Secretary of Manipur praised the exercise and said, “Preparedness is the best form of disaster mitigation. These drills train both personnel and citizens, enabling quicker, more efficient responses when disasters strike.”
Promoting a Culture of Preparedness
The Imphal civil defence drill not only evaluated the operational efficiency of emergency agencies but also encouraged citizens to actively participate in disaster risk reduction. Educational materials were distributed to schools, helpline numbers were publicized, and demonstrations were conducted to teach basic first aid and safety techniques.
As a state regularly affected by earthquakes, floods, and landslides, Manipur greatly benefits from such practical initiatives. They help build a culture where preparedness is a shared responsibility between the government and its people.
The state-level civil defence mock drill in Imphal marked an important milestone in Manipur’s journey toward comprehensive disaster management. By enhancing readiness, improving coordination, and engaging the public, the state is taking significant steps toward minimizing the impact of future disasters. Continued efforts in emergency response training and awareness will be key to ensuring the safety and resilience of communities across Manipur.
