Srinagar, Jun 24 (NVI): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday conducted a table-top exercise at Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district to review preparedness for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, officials said.
The exercise, chaired by Major General Sudhir Bahl (Retd.) and organised in collaboration with the district administration Anantnag, was aimed at strengthening coordination among agencies involved in managing the annual pilgrimage.
Senior officers from the NDMA, Disaster Management Department, district administration, defence and security forces, Fire and Emergency Services, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), camp directors and other stakeholders participated in the exercise.
Officials said the exercise focused on assessing operational readiness, improving inter-agency coordination and identifying gaps in contingency planning related to route management, medical emergencies, adverse weather conditions and crowd control.
Addressing the participants, Major General Bahl stressed the importance of integrated planning and real-time coordination. He also reviewed the disaster management plans prepared for the pilgrimage.
The exercise simulated various disaster scenarios to test the response capabilities of the agencies involved. Discussions were also held on communication protocols, evacuation plans and deployment of critical resources to ensure a safe and smooth conduct of the yatra, officials added.(NVI)
