The Government of Tripura recently conducted a large-scale civil defence mock drill involving multiple agencies and departments across the state. Held under the supervision of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and the Department of Civil Defence, the drill aimed to assess and improve the state’s ability to respond to natural and man-made emergencies effectively.
The mock exercise, which took place in various districts including Agartala, Gomati, and Dhalai, involved active participation from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, fire services, health departments, and local volunteers. This multi-agency coordination reflects Tripura’s growing focus on creating a robust infrastructure for public safety and emergency resilience.
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Objectives of the Civil Defence Mock Drill
The primary goal of the mock drill was to simulate realistic emergency scenarios and test the preparedness of various departments. Scenarios included earthquakes, fire breakouts, chemical leaks, building collapses, and rescue operations, all executed with precision and timed responses.
Tripura Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, who reviewed the drill, stated, “Preparedness saves lives. This mock drill is a proactive effort to ensure that we have the coordination, communication, and capability required during real-time disasters.”
He added that such mock exercises help in identifying response gaps and enhance the coordination between central and state agencies. “We must be ready not only for natural calamities like floods and earthquakes but also for industrial accidents and security threats,” he said.
Ground-Level Execution and Training
In Agartala, one of the main locations for the mock drill, sirens were blown to signal the beginning of the exercise. Volunteers and emergency responders were seen rescuing “victims” from staged collapsed buildings and providing first aid and evacuation support. Fire brigades demonstrated water hose management and smoke rescues, while ambulance teams transported the injured to nearby hospitals.
The drill also involved setting up of emergency relief camps, mobile health units, and temporary communication centers. School children, college students, and residents were briefed on evacuation routes and survival techniques, showcasing a strong community participation model.
Special training was given to local panchayat members and municipal officers to handle crowd control, logistics, and immediate resource deployment during crises. Officials noted that public awareness and grassroots training are crucial to building long-term resilience.
Technological Integration in Emergency Response
An important aspect of this year’s civil defence mock drill was the integration of technology and real-time communication tools. GPS-enabled tracking systems, mobile apps for quick SOS alerts, and drone surveillance were used to monitor crowd movement and detect hard-to-access areas.
The Tripura SDMA has also launched a dedicated disaster management helpline and updated its public safety guidelines online. The use of AI-based monitoring tools and real-time data sharing during the drill earned praise from visiting officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs, who noted Tripura’s rapid progress in adopting tech-based solutions for emergency management.
A Model for Other Northeastern States
Officials from Assam, Mizoram, and Manipur were invited to observe the mock drill as part of an inter-state disaster preparedness exchange program. The success of the mock drill positions Tripura as a model for disaster readiness in the Northeast, especially given the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity and flash floods.
The Tripura civil defence team has also prepared a detailed post-drill report that will be submitted to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to evaluate the overall performance and areas for improvement.
Conclusion: Preparedness Is the First Line of Defence
With this comprehensive and coordinated civil defence mock drill, Tripura has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding its citizens during emergencies. From deploying life-saving technologies to involving grassroots communities, the state has taken a holistic approach to ensure timely and effective responses.
Such exercises, officials believe, are not just about readiness—they’re about building confidence, capacity, and collaboration in the face of uncertainty.
As disaster preparedness becomes an integral part of governance, mock drill in Tripura stands as a timely reminder that proactive planning is the foundation of public safety.
