Joint Civil-Military Mock Drill on Disaster Preparedness Successfully Conducted at Mhentsang Rong, Tawang
Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) : A large-scale joint civil-military mock drill on disaster preparedness was successfully conducted today at Mhentsang Rong (Bomdir Nallah), Tawang. The exercise aimed to strengthen coordination and enhance the disaster response capabilities of various agencies in the event of natural calamities such as landslides, earthquakes, flash floods, and fires.
The mock drill commenced at 11:30 AM and was personally overseen by Brigadier Bhupal Singh, SM, Commander of the Tawang Brigade. The comprehensive exercise saw enthusiastic participation from the Indian Army, 38th Battalion of the Sashastra Seema
Bal (SSB), 55th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), 12th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Tawang Fire Brigade, Tawang Police, KDS District Hospital medical staff, and Veterinary Doctors from the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department, Tawang.
Preparatory activities began on 10 June 2025, with an inspection of static equipment and a detailed briefing session held at the Brigade Headquarters. The session was jointly chaired by Brigadier Bhupal Singh and District Disaster Management Officer Genden Tsomu.
The mock drill was executed simultaneously at five different locations, simulating realistic emergency scenarios including landslides, earthquakes, flash floods, and fire incidents. These practical exercises were designed to test the agility, coordination, and efficiency of rescue and relief operations in high-pressure situations.
During the de-briefing session, Brigadier Singh congratulated all participating teams on the successful execution of the drill. He, however, cautioned that real-life disaster scenarios are far more unpredictable and demanding. Drawing from past experiences with flash floods, he stressed that even a moment’s delay in response can cost lives. He urged team commanders to maintain constant vigilance and ensure both personnel and equipment are always in a state of readiness.
Brigadier Singh proposed the designation of responsible individuals in each locality to disseminate early warnings during emergencies. He underscored that the first two hours after a disaster are critical and timely action during this period can save countless lives. He also advised that households in vulnerable areas—particularly near steep slopes or densely populated zones—develop localized disaster management
plans with clearly marked exit routes.
Emphasizing the importance of ongoing preparedness, he recommended that such mock drills be conducted regularly, especially during the monsoon season. Additionally, he advocated for basic first-aid training, and the pre-stocking of essential rations in disaster-prone communities.
This joint exercise highlights the unwavering commitment of civil and military agencies to protect the lives and well-being of the people of Tawang through proactive disaster preparedness.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Tawang Namgyal Angmo, Superintendent of Police Dr. D.W. Thongon, and District Disaster Management Officer Genden Tsomu attended a virtual meeting with the Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh to review the region’s monsoon preparedness measures.
