Patna buzzed with urgency as Bihar’s top disaster management officials gathered for a critical tabletop exercise aimed at bolstering earthquake preparedness. Chaired by BSDMA Vice Chairman Dr. Uday Kant Mishra, the session brought together key figures like P.N. Rai, N.K. Singh, Prakash Kumar, and Shambhu Datt Jha to map out strategies for mock drills in the state’s most vulnerable zones.
Retired Major General Sudhir Bahl, a senior NDMA consultant, led the charge, dissecting upcoming physical mock exercise plans, coordination mechanisms, and standard operating procedures. His sharp insights highlighted gaps and offered actionable recommendations to sharpen response capabilities.
This tabletop exercise served as a vital precursor to full-scale simulations, pinpointing potential shortcomings in resources and protocols. Joint Secretary Nadeemul Gaffar Siddiqui from the Disaster Management Department presented a detailed slideshow, drawing lessons from past floods to inform earthquake readiness.
Officials from 23 high-risk districts—including 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—actively participated. Representatives from SSB, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SDRF Uttar Pradesh, CoEadM-DMI, and IMD added their expertise, fostering inter-agency synergy.
Discussions zeroed in on action plans for seismic scenarios, resource allocation, departmental coordination, and role clarity. Challenges were flagged, and clear directives issued to address them. This initiative marks a proactive step toward fortifying Bihar’s disaster resilience, ensuring swift, coordinated responses when earthquakes strike.
As Bihar straddles multiple seismic zones, these districts face the gravest threats. The exercise underscores the state’s commitment to minimizing casualties and damage through meticulous planning and practice.