The UT Disaster Management Authority (UTDMA), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), successfully conducted a series of disaster preparedness mock drills at various locations across Leh district on August 21.

The exercise was led by Secretary, DMRRR UT Ladakh, Shashanka Ala; Lead Consultant (ME & IRS) NDMA, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Sudhir Bahl; and Chairman, DDMA Leh, Romil Singh Donk.

Mock drills were carried out at Boys Higher Secondary School Leh, IOCL Agling, LAHDC Petrol Pump, and SNM Hospital, Leh. Each site had a designated Camp In-charge responsible for managing operations, assessing the role of community volunteers, and coordinating with the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) at the DC Office Conference Hall.

At the NDS ground staging area, heavy resources and equipment—including fire engines, buses, dozers, cranes, excavators, ambulances, and road rollers—were assembled before being deployed to simulated disaster sites.

The main exercise simulated a 6.9-magnitude earthquake with its epicentre at Gangles at 7:15 AM, resulting in over 200 “casualties” and partial damage to the District Hospital. Initial rescue efforts were undertaken by community members, Ladakh Police, and medical teams, followed by specialized operations by NDRF, UTDRF, and NCC cadets.

At the IOCL Bulk Storage Facility, a mock fire emergency was conducted, testing coordination between Ladakh Police, ITBP, Indian Army, Ladakh Scouts, Fire & Rescue, NDRF, UTDRF, NCC, and medical teams. Similarly, at the LAHDC Petrol Pump, a simulated fire at the fuel dispensing area prompted rapid emergency response, evacuation, and fire suppression using modern firefighting techniques.

Meanwhile, at Boys Higher Secondary School, Leh, the earthquake drill focused on raising awareness among students and staff about safety protocols during seismic events. At  SNM Hospital, mock disaster patients were rushed in from different sites and provided immediate emergency treatment, testing the hospital’s surge response capacity.

Secretary Shashanka Ala, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Bahl, Chairman DDMA Donk, and SSP Leh Shruti Arora inspected various sites and the Relief Camp at Food Craft Institute, Takshi Thang, reviewing preparedness levels and response mechanisms.

Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Bahl interacted with stakeholders, stressing the importance of regular rehearsals, community awareness, and the critical role of NCC cadets  in disaster response. He emphasized adopting efficient rescue techniques to ensure swift evacuation and minimize casualties during real emergencies.

The mock drills were conducted with participation from UTDMA, NDMA, NDRF, UTDRF, armed and paramilitary forces, NCC, and departments including PDD, PHE, Health, Police, and Food & Supplies.

In addition, subdivision-level mock drills were successfully held in Nyoma, Nubra, Khaltse, Kharu, and other locations, ensuring district-wide disaster preparedness.