Katra, Apr 28: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) conducted training and joint mock drill exercise with stakeholders to check the alertness and response mechanism in the event of any disaster-like eventuality to ensure a quick and most effective response from all concerned.
“Disaster Management has been one of the priority areas of the board in view of difficult terrain and topography of the shrine area,” the board said in a statement.
“Accordingly, under the overall guidance of Chairman, SMVDSB, Lt. Governor, JK-UT, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board conducted five-day mock drill exercises in priority sectors of Shrine Board including Bhawan, Bhairon, Sanjichhat, Adhkuwari and Banganga which started from April 24 and concluded successfully today with a debriefing session with the stakeholders to plug any gaps and enhance preparedness for disaster management,” the statement said.
These included security agencies like CRPF, Jammu & Kashmir Police, Department of Fire & Emergency Services, State Disaster Response Force, Reasi and a team from NDRF who joined the mock exercises on Thursday to assess the overall level of preparedness for effectively and promptly responding to any emergency situation, the SMVDSB said, adding, “The NDRF also displayed various search and rescue equipment and conducted table talk sessions regarding the dos and don’ts during disasters.”
The mock drills were conducted with the objective to sensitize stakeholders with regard to potential natural and manmade hazards like landslides, earthquakes, forest fires, electric fires and structure collapse in the shrine area and giving them hands-on exposure to mitigation measures, crowd control, basic of search and rescue, operation and maintenance of fire fighting vehicles.
A comprehensive inventory audit of the Disaster Management Stores set up by the Shrine Board at various locations on the track. About 295 participants attended these mock drill exercises during a five days programme which concluded on Friday.
While extending gratitude to the specialized agencies who imparted their expertise to the participants during these mock drill exercises, Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB said that such mock drills shall enhance coordination among various agencies and wings of the shrine board to tackle any emergency, especially recurrent forest fires, shooting stones and landslides which are the main challenges in and around the shrine area, besides the situation of crowd management which may occur during peak days.
