Amarnath Yatra: NDMA conducts mock counter-disaster drills

The National Disaster Management Authority conducted a series of mock exercises for the agencies deployed for ensure smooth conduct of annual Amarnath yatra and enhance the response mechanism of various stakeholders in case a disaster strikes.
The week-long drills, which concluded today, were conducted under the umbrella of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps, an official statement said.
The mock drills, aimed to assess the preparedness and response mechanism of all stakeholders involved in the management of the yatra beginning July 2, included simulated scenarios of a cloudburst and fire.
Other drills included formation of incident response teams, coordination among various participating agencies, evacuation, medical preparedness and trauma counselling.

The agencies who participated in the exercises included Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), National Disaster Response Force, Jammu and Kashmir DRF, health services, civil defence, Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF, army, police, and other emergency services.
The 48-day yatra will commence from twin routes of Baltal in Ganderbal district and Chandanwari in Anantnag district of the state.