Mock Drill Held at Jakhu Ropeway to Test Emergency Preparedness

Shimla, September 23: The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) conducted a comprehensive mock drill at the Jakhu Ropeway on Wednesday to assess emergency preparedness and ensure the safety of tourists and passengers.

The exercise, chaired by District Revenue Officer Shivani Bhardwaj, was conducted in coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), PWD, Health Department and other emergency response agencies.

As part of the drill, a simulated emergency was created in which two tourists were reported stranded in a ropeway trolley following a mid-route stoppage. A six-member NDRF team responded promptly and safely evacuated both persons from the trolley, located around 200 metres away.

Bhardwaj said the exercise was aimed at assessing the preparedness, coordination and response mechanisms of various agencies during a ropeway emergency. Such drills help identify gaps, test communication systems and strengthen standard operating procedures, she added.

The exercise also familiarised personnel with their respective roles and responsibilities during an emergency to ensure a coordinated and timely response.

The manager of Jakhu Ropeway, Madan Sharma, said the system operates on both electricity and a generator backup, with the system automatically switching to the generator in case of a power failure.

The mock drill is conducted twice a year as part of ongoing preparedness measures.

Samagra Sikhsha