GANDERBAL: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) today organized a comprehensive tabletop exercise with all relevant stakeholders involved in managing the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) at the Conference Hall of Mini Secretariat Ganderbal.
The session was presided over by Senior Consultant NDMA, Ex. Major General V.K. Nayak.
The exercise is part of NDMA’s ongoing efforts to enhance preparedness and response mechanisms for various potential disasters during the Yatra.
Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shyambir, inaugurated the session with a detailed overview of the District Administration’s preparations and emergency response plans for SANJY.
Emphasizing the importance of coordinated planning and response, the DC highlighted the objectives and scope of the Table Top and mock exercises. He stressed the need for meticulous planning, better coordination, and effective response among all participating agencies to ensure the safety and success of the Yatra.
Ex. Major General V.K. Nayak explained that the primary goal of the Table Top Exercise is to evaluate the adequacy and efficiency of the Emergency Response Plans developed by various stakeholders. He discussed the potential challenges during the Yatra and strategies for managing major incidents.
Officials from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) presented an overview of the Disaster Plan and preparedness strategies for SANJY-2024.
Representatives from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Air Force (IAF), Health Department, communication and connectivity sectors, as well as various security agencies, provided detailed overviews of their respective disaster management plans.
The meeting informed that a mock exercise will be conducted at Baltal base camp on June 25, 2024, to assess the preparedness and response mechanisms of all stakeholders involved in managing the Amarnath Yatra.
Participants were informed about their roles and responsibilities in disaster preparedness and response. Officials were urged to identify gaps, set objective tasks, anticipate challenges, allocate resources, and propose remedial measures to handle any disaster scenarios effectively.
The exercise was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Gulzar Ahmad; ASP Ganderbal, CMO, SE KPDCL, and other district officers. Representatives from various security agencies also participated.
