NDMA holds deliberations in Ganderbal to ensure smooth pilgrimage
Ganderbal, Jun 26: In a significant step towards ensuring disaster preparedness for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2025, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Thursday conducted a comprehensive “Table Top Exercise” at Ganderbal.
The exercise began with the address by Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, who joined the session virtually and underlined the importance of such exercises, emphasizing the importance of safety and well being of Yatris. Officials said the Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore presided over the session and gave a detailed overview of the district administration’s preparations and emergency response plans.
He emphasised the need for meticulous planning, seamless coordination, and prompt response from all participating agencies to ensure a safe and successful Yatra. Col Nadeem Arshid (Retd), Senior Consultant (Operations), NDMA, conducted the Table Top Exercise and said that the exercise aimed at assessing the preparedness levels and coordination mechanisms among all stakeholders involved in managing the Yatra. Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Syed Faheem Bihaqi gave a detailed presentation on the district’s efforts to mitigate disaster risks, particularly in vulnerable areas along the Yatra route.
Officials from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) presented the Disaster Management Plan and outlined preparedness strategies tailored for SANJY-2025. Representatives from the Indian Meteorological Department, Indian Air Force, Health Department, communication and connectivity sectors, along with various security agencies, provided updates on their respective disaster preparedness plans. All participating agencies were urged to clearly identify their roles, address any gaps in planning, anticipate challenges, allocate resources efficiently, and suggest remedial measures to strengthen the overall disaster management framework. The exercise witnessed the active participation of SSP Ganderbal, Khalil Poswal, ADC Ganderbal, ASP Ganderbal and other senior district officers as well as representatives from various security and line departments.
