IBEX NEWS BUREAU,Shimla
Shimla, 12 June 2026
The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) today conducted a Table Top Exercise (TTEx) in preparation for the forthcoming 10th Edition of the State-wide Mega Mock Exercise on Earthquake, Cloud Burst and Forest Fire Disasters (Day & Night Scenario), scheduled to be conducted across Himachal Pradesh on 15 June 2026.
The participants were welcomed by Sh. Sunil Verma, Additional Secretary (Revenue–Disaster Management) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
The exercise commenced with opening remarks by Sh. Krishna S. Vatsa, Member & HoD, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India, who underscored the importance of mock exercises in strengthening disaster preparedness and response capacities.
A special address was delivered by Sh. K.K. Pant, Chief Secretary, Himachal Pradesh, who emphasized the need for coordinated preparedness, effective response planning, and seamless inter-departmental coordination to tackle disaster situations efficiently.
Dr. Pushpendra Rana, Director-cum-Ex-Officio Special Secretary (Revenue–Disaster Management) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, presented an update on the key observations, lessons learnt, and follow-up actions taken based on previous Mega Mock Exercises conducted in the State.
Presentations were delivered by key stakeholder departments, including the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Early Warning Systems (EWS), the Forest Department on forest fire preparedness and response measures, the Health Department on emergency medical response and mass casualty management, and the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (HPPWD) on infrastructure restoration, road clearance, and maintenance of connectivity during disasters.
A detailed presentation on the exercise scenarios was delivered by Maj. Gen. Sudhir Bahl (Retd.), Lead Consultant (Mega Exercise & Incident Response System), NDMA, Government of India. Various disaster scenarios involving earthquakes and associated hazards, cloud bursts, and forest fire incidents under both day and night conditions were discussed comprehensively.
The Table Top Exercise witnessed active participation from District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), response agencies, line departments, and other stakeholders. Detailed discussions were held on preparedness measures, response plans, resource mobilization, communication protocols, coordination mechanisms, and the roles and responsibilities of participating agencies during the upcoming Mega Mock Exercise.
The exercise forms an integral part of the State’s efforts to strengthen disaster risk management, enhance operational readiness, validate response plans, and improve coordination among all stakeholders for effective disaster response.
The 10th Edition of the State-wide Mega Mock Exercise will be conducted on 15 June 2026 across Himachal Pradesh with the active participation of departments, DDMAs, response forces, and other stakeholders.
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