EXERCISE SURAKSHA CHAKRA, a three-day Integrated Disaster Management Symposium and Mock Exercise commenced today at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt. The exercise is being conducted by Headquarter Delhi Area in coordination with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
EXERCISE SURAKSHA CHAKRA aims to bring together State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), Central Response Agencies including the Armed Forces and Technical & Early Warning Institutions to collectively validate planning frameworks, strengthen inter-agency coordination and synergise Whole-of Government approach. The exercise will specifically address preparedness for earthquake and industrial chemical hazards, across 18 districts - 11 from Delhi, 5 from Haryana and 2 from Uttar Pradesh. It will mark the first such initiative in the National Capital Region (NCR) and aims to extend these lessons to one of the India's most densely populated and complex urban regions. The event drew distinguished delegates from civil, military and scientific communities, underscoring the critical importance of unified execution and joint planning in disaster management.
The inaugural day focussed on understanding the disaster threats to Delhi and NCR as well as capabilities of various agencies. Shri Rajendra Singh, HoD, NDMA opened the proceedings and Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, GOC-in-C, Western Command delivered the inaugural address for the event. He highlighted the importance of identifying vulnerable areas, risk assessment and proactive pre-positioning of equipment and supplies for agility in response. The event witnessed insightful presentations and panel discussions on disaster management and capabilities of various agencies involved in the task. Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, AVSM, VSM, GOC, Delhi Area gave an Overview on Disaster Threats in the Area of Operations of Delhi Area identifying the disaster vulnerabilities and efforts being put by all agencies in mitigating the same.
The event also saw an exhibition of cutting-edge relief and rescue equipment by NDRF and participating vendors.
The symposium cum table top exercise will be followed by a simulated situation exercise on 01 Aug 2025, wherein all agencies will participate.
The symposium marks a pivotal step toward institutionalising joint mechanisms for disaster management. By integrating ground-level expertise with strategic oversight, India moves closer to a resilient future where swift, unified action minimizes impact of the disaster and accelerates recovery.
