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The 20-page document lays down clear guidelines for organising and evaluating mock disaster drills
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel conduct mock drill of preventive measures during railway mishaps. (PTI file photo)
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline and professionalise the conduct of mock exercises. The 20-page document lays down clear guidelines for organising and evaluating mock disaster drills, with the aim of enhancing preparedness, coordination, and public awareness.
According to the NDRF report, the SOP is a “living document” that assigns responsibilities to officials and provides a structured approach for conducting drills effectively.
The report stresses the importance of reviewing disaster management plans, testing the effectiveness of standard procedures, and improving coordination among emergency services and stakeholders.
“The purpose of this SOP is to establish the procedure for conducting the Mock Exercise. The SOP shall provide guidance and assigns responsibility to the concerned officials of NDRF to execute their professional actions in all parameters for purposeful conduct of the Mock Exercise,” the report states.
The SOP categorises drills into two types: ‘In-House’ Mock Exercises, which are conducted using only internal personnel and resources, and ‘Out-House’ Mock Exercises, which involve local, district or state agencies and simulate real-life disaster scenarios to test broader response mechanisms.
Some other approach is also recommended for conducting these exercises, such as:
Coordinating Conference – Held at least a month prior, this meeting defines objectives, selects participants, and finalises logistics.
Table Top Exercise (TTEx) – A guided discussion simulating worst-case scenarios, helping participants apply their knowledge in a controlled setting.
Mock Exercise – Includes alarm, response, and evaluation phases. This is where the actual drill is carried out, followed by debriefings to assess strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
The SOP outlines stringent safety protocols, ensuring zero casualties during drills. It also mandates the full functioning of key systems like the Incident Response System (IRS), Emergency Operation Centres (EOC), medical teams, and communication units.
Nationwide civil defence mock drill
On Wednesday, India will conduct a nationwide mock civil defence drill across 244 locations amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, security experts stress the need for preparedness in case of panic or war, IANS reported.
The exercise will simulate wartime scenarios such as air raid sirens, blackouts, and emergency first-response measures. It is the first nationwide preparedness drill of this scale since the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Ordered by the Union Home Ministry, the drill is part of efforts to strengthen India’s civil defence systems. The initiative aims to boost coordination among civil authorities, security forces, volunteers, and civilians during potential hostile attacks.
The mock drills will reach down to the village level, with active participation from civil defence wardens, Home Guards, NCC, NSS, NYKS, students, and other community volunteers.
(With inputs from agencies)
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