Leh, Aug 21: Leh witnessed a comprehensive disaster management exercise on August 21, as the Union Territory Disaster Management Authority (UTDMA), in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), conducted mock drills across multiple locations in the district. The exercise was overseen by Secretary DMRRR UT Ladakh Shashanka Ala, Lead Consultant (ME & IRS) NDMA Maj Gen Sudhir Bahl (Retd), and Chairman DDMA Leh Romil Singh Donk.
The drill simulated an earthquake of magnitude 6.9 at 7.15 am with the epicentre at Gangles, resulting in over 200 casualties and partial damage to the District Hospital. Casualties were reported from Sumoor Nubra, prompting immediate rescue operations led by the local community, police, and medical teams. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), UT Disaster Response Force (UTDRF), and NCC cadets participated in coordinated relief and evacuation efforts.
Designated mock drill sites included Boys Higher Secondary School Leh, IOCL Agling, LAHDC Petrol Pump, and SNM Hospital, each managed by appointed Camp In-charges responsible for evaluating community volunteers and liaising with the District Emergency Operating Centre (DEOC) at the DC Office Leh. At the staging area at NDS ground, heavy machinery, fire engines, buses, ambulances, cranes, dozers, JCBs, and other equipment were assembled before deployment to critical sites.
At the IOCL Bulk Storage Facility, the exercise simulated a major fire, with Ladakh Police, ITBP, Indian Army, Ladakh Scouts, NDRF, Fire & Rescue Department, UTDRF, medical teams, NCC, and 14 Corps responding to contain the emergency. The LAHDC Petrol Pump drill involved a simulated fuel fire outbreak, prompting swift action from firefighters, police, and medical responders to secure the area and evacuate civilians.
Educational institutions also participated, with Boys Higher Secondary School hosting an earthquake preparedness exercise for students and staff to instill disaster awareness and safety protocols. SNM Hospital served as a central hub, where disaster-affected patients from various drill sites received emergency care under real-time simulation conditions.
Secretary Shashanka Ala and Maj Gen (Retd.) Sudhir Bahl, accompanied by Chairman DDMA Romil Singh Donk and SSP Leh Shruti Arora, inspected several affected sites and the Relief Camp at Food Craft Institute, Takshi Thang, assessing the preparedness and response mechanisms of medical and emergency services. Maj Gen Bahl emphasized familiarization with safety procedures, the necessity of regular drills, and the strategic role of NCC cadets in ensuring rapid and efficient evacuation during emergencies.
The drills extended beyond Leh town, with sub-division level exercises conducted in Nyoma, Nubra, Khaltse, Kharu, and other regions, involving armed and paramilitary forces, NCC cadets, and multiple government departments including PDD, PHE, Food and Supply, Health Department, and local administration.
Officials described the exercise as an essential measure to reinforce disaster readiness, improve coordination across agencies, and enhance public awareness in the face of potential natural or man-made calamities.
