Assam: Multi-agency mock drill strengthens grassroots disaster preparedness at Chhaygaon College

A three-day Revenue Circle Level Emergency Management Exercise (RC-EMEx-2025-26) was successfully conducted at the Chhaygaon College campus, bringing together multiple agencies to test real-time response capabilities and inter-departmental coordination during emergency situations.

Organised by the Chhaygaon Revenue Circle in close coordination with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kamrup, the exercise marked a significant effort to decentralise disaster response preparedness. The drill received technical support from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and active participation from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), district administration, emergency services and local bodies, ensuring a comprehensive multi-agency approach.

The mock exercise simulated high-risk disaster scenarios, including earthquake-triggered structural collapse and fire emergencies within an educational institution, replicating conditions that require swift, coordinated action. Personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services, medical response teams and trained volunteers from Chhaygaon College demonstrated search and rescue operations, first aid procedures, casualty management and systematic evacuation protocols, highlighting preparedness under pressure.

Addressing participants, Dr. Rajiv Dutta Choudhury, District Project Officer (DPO), DDMA Kamrup, along with Bhaswati Kalita, Field Officer, Chhaygaon Revenue Circle, underscored that the primary objective of RC-EMEx is to identify operational gaps, improve response time and ensure clearly defined roles for every stakeholder during real-life emergencies. Officials stressed that conducting such drills at the revenue circle level strengthens community resilience while addressing the unique geographical and disaster vulnerabilities of Kamrup district.

The entire exercise was closely monitored by experts from SSB Rangia, ASDMA and DDMA, who provided real-time technical feedback on response accuracy, coordination efficiency and rescue techniques. The programme concluded with a detailed debriefing and evaluation session, where observations and recommendations were shared to further enhance local disaster management frameworks.

Local residents and students actively witnessed the drill, turning the exercise into a live public awareness initiative that reinforced the importance of disaster readiness, community participation and institutional resilience in mitigating emergency risks.