SRINAGAR: Ahead of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with District Administration, Anantnag on Friday conducted a comprehensive mock exercise at Nunwan Base Camp, Pahalgam.
The aim of the exercise was to assess the preparedness of all departments for the ensuing Yatra.
The exercise was conducted under the chairmanship of Major General Sudhir Bahl (Rtd.), Lead Consultant (Medical Emergencies and Incident Response System), NDMA. The exercise was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (CEO, DDMA), Vikas Ahlawat, Camp Director Nunwan, Atul Kumar, SDM Pahalgam, officers from civil administration, UTDMA, CRPF, Fire and Emergency Services, Health, Army, JK Police telecommunications, ITBP, BSF and officials from various other departments.
The mock drill simulated a range of emergency scenarios, including medical emergencies, fire incidents, disaster response, evacuation, and security contingencies, to evaluate the coordination, communication, and response capabilities of participating agencies.
Officials and personnel from the civil administration, police, security forces, Health Department, NDRF and SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, and other stakeholder departments actively demonstrated their preparations to respond to any disaster-like situation.
Speaking on the occasion, Major General Sudhir Bahl (Rtd.) emphasized the importance of coordinated planning, prompt response, and effective communication among all agencies to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims during SANJY-2026. He stressed that regular mock exercises are essential to strengthen emergency preparedness and improve inter-agency coordination.
Simultaneously, mock exercises were held at Sheshnag and Panchtarni Yatra Stations, simulating flashfloods and fire incidents and the same were livestreamed. Member NDMA, Krishan Vats joined online for debriefing while Camp Directors Sheshnag and Panchtarni also participated.
The mock exercise helped identify strengths as well as areas requiring further improvement, reinforcing the preparedness of all departments to ensure the safe, secure, and smooth conduct of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.
