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The 5th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Pune conducted a large-scale monsoon incidents and disaster relief preparedness exercise at seven locations in Pune and even in Mumbai, Nagpur and Palghar.
NDRF officials said a total of 12 specialized teams participated in the exercise aimed at strengthening disaster response capabilities and coordination during emergencies such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and chemical incidents. The 5th Battalion functions as a stand-alone specialized response force of Government of India in Maharashtra and Goa, responding to natural and man-made disasters.
The exercise was conducted to check the readiness of the teams for the upcoming monsoon season and for other potential disasters. The mock drills took place at various strategic locations including Badlapur in Mumbai, Kondhali dam in Nagpur, Palghar and Bhushi dam, Pawna lake, Bhama Askhed dam, Ranjangaon MIDC industrial area, Kolawade village, Lonavala Tiger Point and the Andra dam in Pune.
“Each scenario was designed to reflect real-life emergencies and tested the teams’ operational efficiency and quick response mechanisms. The exercises included flood water rescue operations, landslide and earthquake response drills, and handling of chemical emergencies,” said an NDRF official.
In order to reduce the response, the 5th Battalion strategically prepositioned its teams after conducting a vulnerability and hazard mapping of the regions in consultation and coordination with the State Disaster Management Authority. Each of the 16 battalions of the NDRF in India has a strength of 18 self-contained specialist teams that include engineers, technicians, electricians, canine squads, medics and paramedics.
“Maharashtra is among the five states in the country which are most vulnerable to extreme climate events and related disasters such as floods, landslides and cyclones. The state is also vulnerable to industrial and chemical accidents, rail and road accidents etc. During monsoon, Maharashtra is highly vulnerable to floods,” said an official.
Officials said NDRF mobilises in consultation and coordination with the state and district authorities. A phone call or a news item can also trigger a response instead of waiting for a formal request. They added that the teams are highly trained in conducting swift rescue and relief operations in floods and cyclones, search and rescue operations in case a structure collapses.
Specialised dog units and state of art equipment give the teams capability to locate trapped victims in large areas in the shortest possible time. These teams have the capability to respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) challenges and high-rise mountain rescue operations too. Officials said the 5th Battalion undertakes regular training and familiarization exercises and conducts various types of mock drills and joint exercises towards disaster preparedness.
