NDRF teams conduct mock drill to prepare for flood rescue operations
HARISH MONGA
Ferozepur, October 14, 2025: Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted a comprehensive mock drill at Jhok Harihar village along the Ferozepur Feeder Canal, in collaboration with the district administration, to simulate flood rescue and mitigation efforts. The exercise focused on essential preparedness measures for natural calamities during the monsoon season, with participation from all relevant district departments.
The mock drill, attended by NDRF Battalion Commander Rishi Mahajan from Bathinda and Naib Tehsildar Priya Rani, aimed to equip locals and officials with skills to effectively respond to flood-like emergencies. Participants received training on first aid, rescue techniques, and NDRF's operational protocols for handling disasters beyond floods.
Commander Mahajan emphasised that the drill provided critical training to departments on minimising loss of life and property during emergencies and natural calamities. "All departments showed keen interest and understood their responsibilities in challenging times," he said, praising NDRF's efficient response capabilities for immediate aid. An NCC cadet also joined the drill, gaining valuable insights, alongside Civil Defence Ferozepur, which participated actively.
Highlighting Punjab's vulnerability to floods from June to September due to its rivers and canals, Mahajan stressed the importance of joint exercises with partner agencies to ensure coordinated action, identify shortcomings, and achieve better outcomes. The primary objective, he added, is to raise public awareness on preventive measures for natural or destructive situations, equipping every citizen with the experience to cope effectively.
Departments including Health, Public Works, Home Guards, Civil Defence, Food Supply, Education, Animal Husbandry, Industry, Water Supply and Sanitation, Child Protection, Fire Safety, along with disaster mitigation volunteers, students from Government School Jhok Harihar, and residents, took part in the drill.
Key officials present included Civil Defence Ferozepur's Chief Warden Parminder Singh Thind, Deputy Chief Warden Prem Nath Sharma, and Company Commander Parminder Bath, besides representatives from various departments. The exercise underscores ongoing efforts to bolster disaster readiness in flood-prone areas.