Leh, Aug 21: Ladakh is facing unprecedented weather conditions, including high temperatures, cloudbursts, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), heavy rainfall, and landslides. These challenges, coupled with Ladakh’s location in an earthquake-prone zone, have prompted the UT Administration to strengthen its disaster preparedness system.
In response, the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction (DMRRR) of Ladakh, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), conducted a UT-level table-top exercise (TTE) focusing on earthquakes, cloudbursts, and GLOF disasters. The exercise was led by Secretary DMRRR Amit Sharma and Major General Sudhir Bahl from NDMA.
During the exercise, Advisor Ladakh Dr. Pawan Kotwal emphasized the increasing frequency of calamities and the region’s vulnerability due to its geography and building structures. “We face unique challenges and must be fully prepared to handle such situations,” Dr. Kotwal said.
Secretary Amit Sharma called for the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to be operational 24/7 with representatives from key departments, including the Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Mechanical Department, NDRF, and Health, among others. He also announced plans for a day-and-night mock drill to simulate real-life disaster scenarios.
DC Leh Santosh Sukhdeve and DC Kargil Srikant Suse discussed areas of improvement in their districts’ disaster preparedness, guided by Major General Bahl, who reviewed all departments’ readiness and directed them to submit detailed disaster management plans.
The exercise also highlighted the need for a proper inventory of equipment, including drones for disaster assessment, and emphasized community involvement as first responders.