In order to assess and strengthen the district’s emergency response mechanism, the District Administration Srinagar on Wednesday organized a Table-Top Exercise on disaster-related equipment to review fire and flood disaster preparedness at the DC Office premises here.
The exercise was followed by a comprehensive practical demonstration of emergency response equipment and rescue operations. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, who is also the Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), presided over the event.
The programme was attended by Director, Disaster Management J&K Aasish Kumar Additional District Development Commissioner Srinagar Rifat Aftab Qureshi,, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Additional District Magistrate and Chief Executive Officer DDMA Srinagar Aadil Fareed, Commandant SDRF Masroor Ahmad, Additional CEO Srinagar Smart City Suhail ul Islam, SDM West Irfan Bahadur, SDM East Zubair Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Umar Gulzar, Deputy Director Fire & Emergency, Dr Aaqib, Executive Engineer of R&B, Abdul Qayoom, all Tehsildars and other concerned officers.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC/Chairman DDMA stressed the importance of conducting Table top preparedness exercises to strengthen disaster response capabilities and ensure prompt action during emergencies. He emphasized that coordinated planning and efficient deployment of resources are essential to minimizing risks and safeguarding lives and property during disasters.
The DC said that disasters often occur without any prior warning and that preparedness in terms of manpower, machinery, and emergency response capacity is the only effective way to minimize losses and respond efficiently during crisis situations.
He emphasized that conducting Table-Top Exercises and practical demonstrations is of immense significance in enhancing coordination, strengthening preparedness mechanisms, and building the capacity of departments and field functionaries to deal effectively with disasters and other emergencies.
During the event, the DC/Chairman DDMA handed over disaster-related equipment kits to all Tehsildars of the district to strengthen preparedness at the Tehsil level. In addition, four high-end rescue boats were also placed at the disposal of the District Administration Srinagar and Srinagar Smart City, with two boats allotted to each for emergency rescue operations.
The exercise was also aimed to evaluate preparedness levels, coordination among departments and operational readiness in the event of fire and flood emergencies. During the practical demonstration, teams displayed the functioning and handling of various disaster-response equipment used in rescue and relief operations.
The demonstration also highlighted the importance of timely response, inter-agency coordination, and public safety measures during natural and man-made disasters. The Table-Top Exercise and practical demonstration witnessed participation from teams of the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Fire & Emergency Services, Civil Defence and other concerned agencies.