Pune: 5 BN NDRF Conducts Statewide Disaster Preparedness Exercise Ahead of Monsoon
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 15th April 2025: In a proactive effort to bolster disaster readiness ahead of the monsoon season, the 5th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (5 BN NDRF) conducted a comprehensive mock drill across multiple locations in Maharashtra today. The large-scale exercise saw the deployment of 12 specialized teams trained to tackle a range of natural and man-made calamities.
The objective of the operation was to assess and enhance the preparedness of NDRF teams in responding to emergencies such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and chemical incidents — all of which pose significant risks during the monsoon months.
Key locations where the drills were held include:
Mumbai (Badlapur)
Nagpur (Kondhali Dam)
Palghar (Boisar)
Pune District, encompassing sites like Bhushi Dam, Pawna Lake, Ashkhed Dam, Ranjangaon MIDC, Kolawade Village, Lonavala Tiger Point, and Andra Dam.
Each site simulated realistic emergency scenarios. Teams demonstrated swift floodwater rescues, landslide response techniques, and rapid evacuation protocols. Additionally, drills involving the handling of hazardous materials underscored the NDRF’s capacity to manage chemical emergencies with precision and caution.
Officials emphasized that these simulations are not only critical in honing response times and coordination among teams, but also play a vital role in inter-agency collaboration with local authorities and first responders.
As climate unpredictability grows and extreme weather events become more frequent, the NDRF’s preparedness exercises reaffirm its role as the nation’s frontline force in disaster response and resilience.
