Disaster response team during NEPEx in Kohima on November 2. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 2
Maj Gen Sudhir Bahl (Retd), Senior Consultant (ME & IRS) of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) today expressed satisfaction over the overall conduct of the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) across the state.
This statewide mega mock exercise was conducted by Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) under the aegis of NDMA on earthquake scenario with a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter scale, to test the capability of the state in responding and also managing any disaster.
Briefing media persons here after the mock exercise, Bahl said “There is a lot of keenness and enthusiasm in conduct of this mock exercise.” Bahl assisted this NEPEx 2023 as lead resource person from NDMA.
It is a matter of great satisfaction that the state conducts this event (NEPEx) on annual basis, he said, describing it as a positive indication of the seriousness of the state in disaster response and preparedness.
Stating that numerous points came up during the conduct of the mock exercise, Bahl said that the state has taken note of it, especially on the aspect of communication system and getting all stakeholders on board including the central agencies like Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces etc.
Bahl also stressed on the need to have more pragmatic hospital disaster management plans. He was optimistic that the NSDMA will carry lesson forward and implement whatever action are require to do.
“NDMA is always there to help the state and districts in whatever manner we can and we shall continue to do so,” he said.
‘There is always room for improvement’
Also making an overall observation of NEPEx 2023, Abhijit Sinha, Home Commissioner and CEO of NSDMA maintained “It is better than what we have done earlier years,” adding that the state learnt new things each year.
“There is always room for improvement,” he said adding that the shortcomings need to be addressed so that when disaster strikes, the state would be able to handle effectively.
Sinha informed that the state has taken note of some areas and some guidelines may result in change in the disaster response system.
He also maintained that communication is one key aspect that “We have to look into it.” In this, he stressed on the need to have more trainings and re-orientation to handle the communication system well.
