In a significant move to test the readiness and coordination of multiple agencies, a mega mock exercise was conducted at Delhi’s Rajiv Chowk Metro Station during the intervening night of June 27 and 28, from 1:05 AM to 4:25 AM. The objective of the drill was to simulate high-risk emergency scenarios and assess the real-time crisis response capabilities of relevant security and rescue forces.
The drill covered a range of simulated contingencies, including:
- A CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) attack
- A terrorist strike
- A hostage situation
- An IED blast
The exercise witnessed the participation of 594 personnel from key agencies such as:
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- National Security Guard (NSG)
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
- Delhi Metro Rail Police (DMRP)
- Delhi Police, SWAT & Traffic Police
- Delhi Fire Service
- Medical & Emergency Services
- New Delhi Municipal Committee (NDMC)
- Intelligence Bureau (IB)
Senior officials including G Shivakumar, DIG/DMRC, and Ashok Jalwaniya, Sr. Commandant, monitored the drill. The exercise concluded with a debriefing session led by senior officers to evaluate the response and suggest improvements.
In a parallel operation in Madhya Pradesh, a joint flood rescue mock drill was held at Bada Talab in Bhopal on June 28. This drill was conducted by teams from the Indian Army, NDRF, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The primary aim was to enhance flood preparedness and boost inter-agency coordination in rescue and relief operations.
The simulated scenarios included:
- Evacuation of civilians trapped on an island
- Rescue of people stranded in flooded homes and trees
- Use of boats, ropes, and modern flood rescue equipment
Additional Chief Secretary (Home), J N Kansotiya, highlighted the significance of the drill:
“Different emergency situations were simulated. Our Army and SDRF teams demonstrated how to rescue people stuck in flood-hit areas. The civil administration takes Army support when needed in real situations to save lives.”
These exercises reflect India’s commitment to strengthening emergency response frameworks, upgrading field coordination, and preparing for multi-dimensional threats, from terrorism to natural disasters.