Bihar’s fight against earthquakes took a decisive turn with a pivotal tabletop exercise hosted by BSDMA in Patna. Under Dr. Uday Kant Mishra’s leadership, the gathering featured core members P.N. Rai, N.K. Singh, Prakash Kumar, and Shambhu Datt Jha, focusing on flawless execution of mock drills in seismic hotspots.
NDMA’s Retired Major General Sudhir Bahl anchored the review, evaluating mock exercise tactics, prep work, sync protocols, and SOPs. His recommendations promise to elevate the state’s readiness to new heights.
Designed to preempt issues in live simulations, the exercise assessed resources and paved the way for corrective actions. Joint Secretary Nadeemul Gaffar Siddiqui shared insights from prior flood crises via an in-depth PPT, tailoring them to quake scenarios.
Engaging deeply were officials from high-risk areas: Patna, Supaul, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, West Champaran, Darbhanga, East Champaran, Siwan, Saran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Sheohar, Samastipur, Araria, Kishanganj, Madhepura, Saharsa, Purnia, Katihar, Munger, Begusarai, and Khagaria. Security outfits SSB, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SDRF from UP, CoEadM-DMI, and IMD bolstered the dialogue.
Talks covered response blueprints, logistics, inter-agency harmony, and duty assignments amid quake simulations. Solutions to foreseen obstacles were outlined with authority.
This exercise is a cornerstone in Bihar’s disaster armor, knitting together diverse entities for rapid action. With these districts in the seismic crosshairs, the state’s proactive stance could save countless lives.