Exercise Suraksha Chakra—A three-day Integrated Disaster Management Symposium and Mock Exercise—kicked off today at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment. Organised by Headquarters Delhi Area in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) of Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, the initiative aims to bolster joint preparedness and inter-agency synergy in the face of large-scale disasters.
This first-of-its-kind exercise in the National Capital Region (NCR) brings together key stakeholders—including the Armed Forces, central response agencies, and technical and early warning institutions—to validate planning frameworks and promote a Whole-of-Government approach. Suraksha Chakra specifically focuses on earthquake and industrial chemical hazard preparedness across 18 districts: 11 in Delhi, five in Haryana, and two in Uttar Pradesh.
The inaugural session set the tone for high-level deliberations on NCR’s vulnerability to disasters and the response capabilities of various agencies. Shri Rajendra Singh, Head of Department at NDMA, inaugurated the symposium, while Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, delivered the keynote address. He emphasised the need for comprehensive risk assessment, identification of vulnerable zones, and proactive pre-positioning of equipment and supplies to ensure agile response during emergencies.
Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, presented an overview of disaster threats within his operational jurisdiction, highlighting the multi-agency efforts underway to mitigate vulnerabilities.
The event also featured an exhibition of state-of-the-art rescue and relief equipment by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and industry participants, showcasing technological advancements in emergency response tools.
The symposium and table-top discussions will culminate in a full-scale simulated exercise on August 1, 2025, involving real-time coordination among all participating agencies.
Exercise Suraksha Chakra marks a significant stride in institutionalising integrated disaster response mechanisms. By combining strategic leadership with on-ground expertise, the initiative moves India closer to a resilient future where coordinated and timely action can significantly reduce disaster impact and expedite recovery.
Recent Comments