Mock drill conducted in 23 flood-prone districts

LUCKNOW: The state government and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted a mock drill in 23 flood-prone districts on Thursday in view of the approaching monsoon, an official said.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Army, Sashastra Seema Bal and Air Force personnel participated in the drill.

Relief commissioner Sanjay Kumar said the objective of the exercise was to check readiness to deal with flood, initiate flood mitigation measures, plan human resources and logistic requirements in advance and to plug gaps in disaster management, if any.

The drill was conducted from 11am to 2pm. District magistrates, superintendents of police, revenue department officers, police, PAC, NDRF, Army, Air Force as well as irrigation, transport, PWD, forest, civil supply and veterinary personnel participated in it.

All senior officers were present at the State Emergency Operation Centre.

A state government officer said in view of the approaching monsoon, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the State Disaster Management Authority (SDRF) conducted a mock exercise to gauge preparedness for recurrent annual floods.

(HTC WITH AGENCY INPUTS)