NDRF-14 Batalian conducted a mock drill at Karcham Dam as part of an awareness and capacity building program.

Diarytimes Media Network, Shimla

JSW Hydro Energy Limited, along with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), HHG, and Police QRT conducted an awareness program and mock drills in Kinnaur district on May 8, 2023. The program was aimed at familiarizing the local community with safety procedures and emergency response measures in case of any disaster.

Awareness program and mock drills conducted at the Karcham Dam and Baspa-II Power House-

The awareness program and mock drills conducted at the Karcham Dam and Baspa-II Power House were part of a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, including JSW Hydro Energy Limited, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The goal of the initiative was to prepare the community to respond effectively in case of any unforeseen situation, by providing training on rescue techniques, demonstrating the use of improvised tools and methods, and educating people on disaster preparedness and safety tips. By working together, the various stakeholders involved in the initiative aimed to create a safer and more resilient community that is better equipped to handle emergencies and natural disasters.

NDRF initiative to promote safety and disaster preparedness, an awareness –

As part of the initiative to promote safety and disaster preparedness, an awareness session was conducted at the under-construction 450 MW Shongtong Karcham power project site, operated by Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. (HPPCL), in the morning. The session was aimed at educating the workers and staff about the potential risks and hazards that could arise during the construction process, and the measures that should be taken to mitigate them. The program was organized as a proactive measure to ensure the safety of workers and staff, and to raise awareness about the importance of disaster preparedness in the workplace.

NDRF Awareness and Capacity building program to Ready For Upcoming Natural Disasters –

The program highlights the importance of disaster preparedness, coordination, and practice to ensure effective responses to disasters. Such efforts are crucial in areas like Kinnaur district, which is prone to natural disasters such as flash floods and earthquakes. The involvement of multiple organizations and agencies in the initiative demonstrates the need for a collaborative approach to disaster management and response, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in ensuring community safety. The initiative’s success serves as an example for other areas to follow in building resilience and preparedness for unforeseen situations.

During the Familiarization exercise Of NDRF life safety techniques through demonstrations –

It is good to know that more than 75 people participated in the Area Familiarization program conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at Karcham Dam in collaboration with various other stakeholders including the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Himachal Home Guards (HHG), HP Police QRT, JSW QRT, and employees. The program focused on training the participants in rescue and life safety techniques through demonstrations of improvised tools and methods. The initiative was aimed at equipping the community with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively to unforeseen situations and natural disasters.

Brief demonstrations on the basic steps and techniques of rescue during disasters –

On Tuesday, as part of the day-long programme organized in different locations, the personnel of the 14 Bn NDRF team, led by Sub-Inspectors Sandeep and Pramod, gave brief demonstrations on the basic steps and techniques of rescue during disasters. The team also highlighted the use of improvised tools and methods from locally available resources, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the situation at hand. Additionally, the team demonstrated search and rescue (SAR) operations and techniques for flash floods. The program was designed to educate the local community and workers on effective ways to respond to disasters and to promote the use of locally available resources in rescue operations.

Locals communities expressed their gratitude to All Organizations For This Great Efforts-

The local community expressed their gratitude to the NDRF, DDMA-1st BN Himachal Home Guards, Himachal Fire Services, ITBP, Police QRT, CISF, and even the Army in the vicinity for their efforts in dealing with natural calamities and conducting rescue operations in disaster-hit areas in the Kinnaur district. Their dedication and commitment to ensuring the safety of the community has been greatly appreciated. The collaborative efforts of these organizations have been instrumental in ensuring timely and effective responses to disasters, and have been critical in saving lives and mitigating damage caused by natural calamities.

Mr. Nitin Gupta’s Highlights Local And Armed Forces As A Mock Drills Rehersals-

Mr. Nitin Gupta’s remarks highlight the significance of disaster preparedness and the need for coordinated efforts in responding to disasters. Learning modern techniques and receiving training from experts can help people stay safe during natural disasters, and the mock drills and rehearsals can improve coordination among various stakeholders and departments involved in disaster management. By identifying gaps in the system and seeking good practices, these exercises can also lead to improvements in disaster response and mitigation efforts. Overall, Mr. Gupta’s comments underscore the importance of preparedness and collaboration in ensuring effective responses to unforeseen disasters.

NDRF All Team Leaders Aware the importance of pre-positioning resources and teams –

The NDRF Team Leaders acknowledged that the Himalayan region, including Himachal Pradesh, is highly prone to earthquakes, and emphasized the importance of keeping the common people of the region alert and involved in the rehearsal practices. They praised the address by Mr. Gupta, who stressed the need for disaster preparedness and highlighted the role of rehearsal practices in ensuring effective responses to disasters. The DDMA Kinnaur also appraised that NDRF teams have been deployed/pre-positioned across various vulnerable parts of the country in view of impending floods, with immediate response teams stationed at Kotla, near Jeori district Shimla. This deployment underscores the importance of pre-positioning resources and teams in areas that are vulnerable to natural disasters, and highlights the ongoing efforts of the government and various organizations to ensure effective responses to such events.

NDRF Informed and Educated about the latest techniques and practices in disaster management –

Similar familiarization programs have been conducted earlier at GSS, GHSS at Urni, and other locations, and it has been announced that these programs will continue in the near future as well. These programs aim to equip the local community with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to disasters and ensure their safety. The continuity of these programs highlights the ongoing commitment of local authorities and other organizations to promoting disaster preparedness and response. Through these programs, the community can stay informed and educated about the latest techniques and practices in disaster management and rescue operations.

NDRF Team Provides necessary knowledge In Karcham Dam For Earthquake necessary knowledge and skills to respond to disasters-

During the program, the NDRF personnel explained the precautions to be taken during the occurrence of a disaster, and demonstrated rescue operations and the proper use of rescue equipment. They also provided first-aid to injured persons and explained related acts of rescue to the participants. Additionally, the NDRF team educated the attendees on disaster preparedness and safety tips to reduce the extent of disaster. The team also demonstrated various techniques to rescue people caught during disasters such as flash floods, fires, earthquakes, and other natural calamities. The program was a comprehensive effort to equip the local community with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond to disasters and ensure their safety.

Head Safety & Dam Safety Officer, Mr. Nitin Gupta addressed the gathering and spoke on safety rules –

Mr. Nitin Gupta Described precautions, and response during natural or man-made disasters. He emphasized that disasters can occur anywhere and at any time, and that being prepared is key. Mr. Gupta urged the people to learn modern techniques for staying safe during disasters with the help of trained experts. He also highlighted the importance of mock drills and rehearsals in improving coordination between internal and external stakeholders, different disaster control and management departments, which plays a vital role during any such unforeseen situation. These exercises provide an opportunity to seek good practices and identify gaps in the system for improvement. Mr. Gupta’s remarks underscored the importance of disaster preparedness and the critical role of practice and coordination in ensuring effective responses to disasters.