Civil Defence Mock Drill Held at Neelam Theatre to Test Emergency Preparedness
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 8, 2025
A large-scale Civil Defence mock drill was conducted at Neelam Theatre, Sector 17, Chandigarh today in the presence of Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. The exercise was part of the Chandigarh Administration’s initiative to evaluate and enhance the city's emergency response capabilities.
The drill began around noon with a simulated fire outbreak, prompting the swift evacuation of the building and activation of emergency response protocols. The operation was coordinated by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), with active participation from key departments including the Chandigarh Police, Civil Defence, Fire Department, Engineering, Education, Health, and the Municipal Corporation.
Specialized rescue demonstrations were carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), showcasing advanced techniques for handling crisis situations.
The drill witnessed the participation of around 100 Apda Mitra volunteers, 500 NSS cadets, 100 NCC cadets, 100 Home Guards, and several other volunteers. The simulated high-intensity emergency tested coordination, response time, and operational effectiveness of all agencies involved.
Addressing the participants, Administrator Kataria lauded the preparedness and teamwork on display, stressing the critical importance of readiness for national safety. “Every kind of preparation is necessary to ensure the safety of the nation,” he said, emphasizing that comprehensive emergency planning is vital at all levels.
He also appreciated the involvement of young volunteers, stating that their enthusiasm contributes significantly to building community resilience and strengthening national security.
Among the senior officials present were Vivek Pratap Singh, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary; Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner; along with other senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration.