Agartala 14 November, 2024: Today, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) jointly conducted a large-scale earthquake preparedness drill at Agartala’s Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport. The drill simulated the aftermath of a 6.4-magnitude earthquake, focusing on coordinated rescue and relief efforts.
Various response teams participated, including the AAI, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Assam Rifles, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Services, Tripura Police, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Forest Department, NEEPCO, ONGC, GAIL, TNGCL, Apda Mitra, Civil Defence, Scouts and Guides, NCC, Health Department, and Public Works Department. Alongside the earthquake simulation, a fire safety drill was also conducted.
Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Revenue Department Secretary Brajesh Pandey urged everyone to work together during disasters and avoid spreading rumors, stressing the importance of unified action in rescue and relief operations. He noted that such drills are essential to ensuring passenger safety at the airport. The event was also attended by Dr. Vishal Kumar, District Magistrate and Collector of West Tripura; Kiran Kumar K., Superintendent of Police, West Tripura; Major General Ajay Kumar Verma of NDMA; Kailash Chandra Meena, Director of MBB Airport; JV Doyati, Director of the Disaster Management Department; and Manik Lal Das, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Sadar Subdivision.
The drill served as a valuable exercise in enhancing preparedness and fostering inter-agency cooperation in times of crisis.
