Delhi witnessed a large-scale emergency preparedness exercise today as mock drills were conducted at 55 sites across the capital to evaluate the city’s ability to respond to earthquakes and chemical disasters. The coordinated effort, known as Exercise Suraksha Chakra, was part of a wider National Capital Region (NCR) safety campaign that also included locations in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
The initiative was spearheaded by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), the Indian Army, and state governments. The focus was to test inter-agency coordination, public safety protocols, and response mechanisms in the face of natural and man-made disasters.
The Scope of the Emergency Drills
The exercise began with the simulation of an earthquake scenario across Delhi. Sirens went off around 9 a.m., followed by coordinated evacuation procedures in schools, metro stations, industrial hubs, and public spaces.
At Mother’s International School, students were guided by teachers and staff to pre-identified safe zones. The activity highlighted how schools can play a critical role in preparing children for emergency situations. Emergency teams conducted triage drills and inspected buildings to assess safety after the mock earthquake.
In another critical scenario, a mock chemical leak was staged at Ramesh Nagar Metro Station. Passengers were evacuated swiftly by metro staff and volunteers, while specialized response teams in protective suits managed the containment of the hazardous material. Paramedics treated mock victims to test how quickly medical support could be deployed in real-life emergencies.
Coordinated Effort Across Delhi-NCR
The drill was not limited to Delhi alone. Similar exercises were carried out in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad districts of Uttar Pradesh, as well as select areas in Haryana.
Authorities had issued public alerts ahead of the drill to prevent panic. Citizens received text messages informing them about the planned activity:
“On 01/08/25, an earthquake and chemical disaster mock drill is being conducted in the districts of Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad. Sirens and announcements may occur. Please do not panic, do not spread rumours, and cooperate.”
This communication played an important role in ensuring that the public understood the importance of drills without mistaking them for real emergencies.
Objectives of Exercise Suraksha Chakra
The primary goals of the exercise were:
- Testing Response Times: To assess how quickly emergency agencies can react during a crisis.
- Enhancing Coordination: To evaluate the collaboration between police, fire departments, paramedics, metro staff, and government agencies.
- Public Safety Training: To familiarize citizens with the right steps to take during earthquakes and chemical disasters.
- Building Preparedness: To ensure that Delhi-NCR is better prepared to face unpredictable natural or industrial hazards.
Officials reported that the drill had been rehearsed in advance, with modules prepared for evacuation, triage, and containment. Each district in Delhi hosted four to six drill sites, making the exercise one of the largest disaster simulations in recent years.
Why Drills Like This Matter
Delhi lies in Seismic Zone IV, which makes it vulnerable to major earthquakes. Additionally, the city’s dense industrial clusters and transport networks create the possibility of chemical leaks and hazardous incidents.
Disaster management experts emphasize that preparedness drills save lives by reducing panic, improving coordination, and ensuring that rescue operations run smoothly. The lessons learned from Exercise Suraksha Chakra will help authorities refine their strategies for real emergencies.
Such drills also help ordinary citizens understand the importance of calm and coordinated responses. From schoolchildren learning how to evacuate safely to metro passengers practicing emergency exits, these activities build resilience within the community.
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