DODA: To strengthen disaster response capabilities and assess inter-departmental coordination, the District Administration Doda conducted extensive mock drills at different strategic locations in Doda town. The initiative aimed to evaluate the preparedness of emergency services and raise public awareness about emergency protocols. The drills simulated real-life emergency scenarios, including evacuation procedures, deployment of rescue teams, provision of medical assistance and crowd management.
Active participation was witnessed from the police department, fire and emergency services, health department, civil defense and the municipal committee. Public announcements were made to guide citizens during the drills and emphasize the importance of remaining calm and cooperative during emergencies.
As part of the mock scenario, an injured patient was successfully rescued from the simulated disaster site near Suigawri and was shifted in a well-coordinated manner to Government Medical College (GMC) Doda for further treatment. Additionally, critically injured patients were airlifted to Jammu Medical College for advanced medical care, demonstrating the district’s preparedness for handling emergency medical evacuations effectively.
In a follow-up to the mock drills, a complete blackout was observed across Doda town from 8 PM, simulating a power outage scenario during a potential emergency. This helped assess the response of emergency services in low-visibility and restricted communication conditions. The blackout also served to familiarize the public with how to respond calmly and safely during real-life power disruptions during disasters.
Deputy Commissioner Doda commended all participating departments for their proactive involvement and emphasized the need for ongoing coordination and community participation in such preparedness activities. He assured that such drills, including simulated blackouts will be conducted regularly across the district to ensure a robust and responsive disaster management system is in place.
