GANDERBAL, JUNE 26: As part of the ongoing preparations for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) today conducted a comprehensive multi-agency mock exercise along the Baltal axis to assess emergency preparedness, strengthen inter-departmental coordination and ensure swift response to any unforeseen situation during the pilgrimage.
The exercise, held under the supervision of Brig. PS Gurung (Retd.), simulated multiple emergency scenarios at key locations along the Yatra route.
The mock drill covered a fire incident at Baltal Base Camp, a drowning/accident scenario near the riverside at Baltal Base Camp, a stampede simulation at Domail, and a landslide/shooting stones incident at Brarimarg/Rail Pathri.
The exercise witnessed the active participation of the District Administration, Police, SDRF, NDRF, Health Department, Fire & Emergency Services, Civil Defence, BRO, Army, CRPF, BSF, Disaster Management teams, Traffic Police, volunteers and other stakeholder departments associated with Yatra management.
Rescue teams demonstrated coordinated evacuation procedures, search and rescue operations, firefighting measures, emergency medical response, triage and casualty evacuation, communication protocols and traffic regulation under simulated emergency conditions. Ambulances, rescue vehicles, firefighting equipment and disaster response resources were deployed at designated locations to test their operational readiness.
Brig. Gurung said that the mock exercise has been very fruitful in ensuring that all stakeholders are well versed with their responsibilities. He said that the exercise has been instrumental in ensuring interdepartmental coordination.
Senior officers including Camp Director Baltal, Additional Camp Directors, SASB, NDRF, SDRF, Rashtriya Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Army, police, health, Civil Defense, transport, fire and other emergency services remained present at various locations to supervise the exercise and review the response mechanisms.
After the drills, post-exercise analysis was also carried out by the NDMA experts and they discussed the entire operation and underlined areas that needed improvement.
Among others, the mock drill was attended by SDM Kangan, Tehsildar Gund, representatives from Police, CRPF, health, fire and emergency, SDRF and NDRF teams.
