Raipur
A comprehensive mock drill was conducted at the Shri Khoobchand Baghel Barrage, commonly known as Rudri Barrage, in Dhamtari on Thursday to evaluate administrative responsiveness, search-and-rescue capabilities, and inter-departmental coordination during potential flood emergencies.
Organised under the directives of the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, Government of Chhattisgarh, the exercise saw active participation from the district administration and multiple emergency response units.
The exercise commenced around 10.30 am following the announcement of a simulated disaster scenario. Administrative personnel and emergency teams immediately mobilised, setting up mock relief camps, health facilities, and food distribution units at the District Home Guard barracks and hall to test operational readiness.
A key highlight of the drill was a live demonstration by the lifeguard unit, which executed simulated rescues of individuals stranded on an island and a drowning victim. The team demonstrated emergency relief techniques using both specialized gear and locally available resources. The rescue squad included Home Guard personnel Raju Ram, Kali Ram, Anil Netam, Dharmaraj, Kamlesh Kumar, Prem Kumar, Arvind Kumar, and Tikesh Kumar.
Emergency apparatus, including Aska lights, life jackets, lifeboats, searchlights, and walkie-talkies, was deployed during the operation. Senior officials from the Disaster Management Department in Raipur monitored the proceedings online.
Under the direction of District Home Guard Commandant Shobha Thakur, civil defence personnel conducted rescue operations and demonstrated systematically managing relief material distribution and victim identification.
A medical team led by Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr U L Kaushik set up health camps to practice emergency medical treatment and health screenings. Water Resources Department SDOs outlined operational plans for drainage, flood control, and drinking water supply, while Janpad Panchayat CEO Varsha Rani presented guidelines for managing relief camps at the panchayat level.
Senior district officials present during the drill included Additional Collector Indira Devari, SDM Piyush Tiwari, Deputy Collector Vairandatta Ekka, and Municipal Corporation Deputy Commissioner P C Sarva, alongside local villagers.
The exercise evaluated the full sequence of disaster management protocols, including early warning transmission, rapid evacuation, camp management, medical aid, and inter-departmental communication. District officials urged citizens to remain calm during natural disasters and adhere to instructions issued by emergency authorities.
