Tripura today demonstrated its commitment to public safety and disaster readiness through a large-scale civil defence mock drill held across various districts. The state government organised the drill as part of a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness and coordination among multiple agencies. In Agartala, the mock drill took place at the Umakanta English Medium School Ground under the jurisdiction of the West District administration.
Officials activated response units early in the morning, simulating real-life emergency scenarios that tested the agility, communication, and operational efficiency of the district administration, police, fire services, health workers, and civil defence volunteers. The public witnessed how trained personnel worked in tandem to evacuate victims, control hazards, and set up relief zones.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha praised the drill as a proactive measure to improve Tripura’s disaster readiness. He said that regular drills like these play a vital role in helping both authorities and citizens prepare for potential calamities, whether natural or man-made. He further urged the residents not to panic and to treat the exercises as educational opportunities that could one day save lives.
The West District Magistrate and senior officials from the Disaster Management Authority monitored the drill closely. They ensured each step followed the national standard operating procedures. Officials also used loudspeakers to brief residents in the vicinity about the event, preventing confusion or alarm. Volunteers simulated injury scenarios, while emergency medical teams demonstrated how to perform triage and stabilize patients before transporting them to health facilities.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) coordinated with local administration to stage various scenarios. These included building collapse, gas leak, fire breakout, and earthquake impact—all selected to reflect the region’s potential vulnerabilities. Rescue workers displayed the use of stretchers, emergency kits, and life-saving equipment. The teams also practised communication drills using wireless systems and satellite phones, ensuring no breakdown in contact during real emergencies.
Students from nearby schools observed the drill and received a demonstration of safety procedures. The education department partnered with civil defence teams to distribute leaflets and safety guidelines in simple language, aiming to create awareness from a young age. Parents expressed appreciation for the inclusion of school children, saying it helped them understand how to respond calmly during emergencies.
Drills were simultaneously conducted in other districts such as Sepahijala, Gomati, Dhalai, and North Tripura, each overseen by their respective District Magistrates. In these locations, authorities activated disaster control rooms and deployed mock emergency calls to test response times. The aim was to assess not only the physical response but also the coordination and data flow among command centres.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services also joined the efforts. Their personnel showcased the use of fire extinguishers, water jets, and smoke evacuation tools. Officers encouraged citizens to maintain fire safety measures in homes and public buildings. Feedback from observers and evaluating officers indicated that most participating units performed efficiently, although the final report will be prepared and submitted by the State Emergency Operations Centre.
The Tripura Police used this opportunity to update local residents about helpline numbers and the importance of staying informed through official communication channels during emergencies. Posters and digital displays were set up in key areas to educate people about earthquake safety, flood response, and handling industrial hazards.
Tripura has been steadily enhancing its disaster resilience framework over the last few years. The state has also received training support from national agencies and international partners to upgrade its disaster management protocols. This mock drill marks another step forward in that journey, reflecting both administrative commitment and citizen participation.
Officials plan to conduct more such drills every quarter and will soon launch awareness drives through community radio, social media, and local governance institutions. As Tripura continues to grow its infrastructure and urban centres, a strong focus on emergency preparedness remains central to its development vision.
