- NDRF, SDRF and army showcase live rescue operations
Bhopal, – In a powerful display of disaster preparedness, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indian Army carried out a joint mock drill at Bhopal’s iconic Upper Lake on Friday. The exercise simulated flood rescue operations, highlighting the city’s readiness to respond swiftly and efficiently to natural disasters.
During the demonstration, SDRF personnel practiced rescuing stranded individuals from simulated flood-hit zones. Working in seamless coordination, team members boarded rescue boats, traced the location of a “drowning” victim, and successfully brought them to safety. The drill also showcased real-time communication between rescue units through wireless and mobile channels, emphasizing how teamwork and synchronized planning are critical in emergency situations.
Objective: strengthening emergency response
Officials stated that the primary goal of the mock drill was to ensure rapid, coordinated response during emergencies, enhance operational efficiency, and reinforce inter-agency collaboration. The simulated scenarios included search, rescue, and relief operations in flood-like conditions, providing a real-time test of the forces’ preparedness.
Showcasing modern techniques and equipment
The exercise included scenarios such as rescuing people stranded in houses surrounded by floodwaters or trapped among trees. Teams used advanced flood-relief equipment, boats, ropes, and modern rescue technologies to demonstrate how such situations are handled with precision and care.
Preparedness for real-life flood scenarios
Speaking at the event, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) J.N. Kansotia said, “Today’s joint mock drill by the Army and SDRF was aimed at improving our flood response strategy. Situations were simulated—like rescuing a person stranded on an island or trapped in a house surrounded by water or trees. Our soldiers and rescue teams practiced how to effectively respond to such emergencies.”
He added that in actual flood scenarios, the administration often coordinates with the Army to enhance on-ground rescue operations. Such collaboration significantly boosts the chances of saving lives and offers crucial support to SDRF teams.
