Manipur conducts emergency Mock Drills and unveils new firefighting measures to boost crisis preparedness

IT News
Imphal, May 7:
A series of coordinated emergency preparedness activities were conducted across Manipur on Tuesday as part of a nationwide exercise initiated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
In Imphal, mock drills were carried out to test the readiness and response mechanisms of key emergency services. The drills included the activation of air-raid warning systems, blackout measures, evacuation protocols, coordination with the Indian Air Force, functioning of control rooms, and deployment of firefighting and warden services. The cleaning and maintenance of bunkers and trenches were also part of the exercise.
As part of efforts to strengthen emergency response in urban areas, the Manipur Fire Service introduced a fleet of ten firefighting motorbikes equipped with 40-litre water tanks, spray guns, and fire extinguishers. These specially designed bikes aim to tackle fires in congested areas where larger fire engines face difficulty accessing. Fire Station Officer Kh. Surchandra Singh noted that increasing traffic congestion in Imphal has necessitated the use of more agile firefighting solutions.
In addition to the motorbikes, the department has bolstered its fleet with four new water bowsers, modern rescue tools, and smoke exhaust systems. Fireman Nilichandra expressed optimism about the improvements, saying the latest technology significantly enhances the force’s capabilities, especially in high-density areas.
Meanwhile, in Churachandpur, the District Administration conducted a large-scale civil defence mock drill—Operation Abhyaas—at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Tuinom. The drill simulated an air raid scenario and involved key stakeholders, including the Police, Fire Services, Assam Rifles, Health Department, Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL), and volunteers from NCC, NSS, NYK, and local schools.
Deputy Commissioner Dharun Kumar S, addressing participants, stressed the importance of public confidence and cooperation during emergencies. “Our nation is facing challenges, but it is the resilience of our people that strengthens our forces. Exercises like these are not meant to create panic but to build preparedness and trust,” he said.
Activities during the drill included siren alerts, blackout simulations, emergency medical setups, public announcements, and search and rescue demonstrations. Civilians were also trained on basic safety protocols to improve community-level response during hostile or crisis situations.
Together, these initiatives mark a significant step forward in enhancing Manipur’s overall disaster readiness and inter-agency coordination in the face of emerging security threats.