NDMA Conducts Mock Exercise to Test Emergency Preparedness Along Baltal Axis for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026
GANDERBAL, June 26, 2026 — As part of the ongoing preparations for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted a comprehensive multi-agency mock exercise along the Baltal axis today to assess emergency preparedness, strengthen inter-departmental coordination, and ensure a swift response to any unforeseen situations during the pilgrimage. Held under the supervision of Brigadier PS Gurung (Retd), the exercise simulated multiple emergency scenarios at key locations along the Yatra route, including a fire incident and a riverside drowning or accident scenario at the Baltal Base Camp, a stampede simulation at Domail, and a landslide with shooting stones incident at Brarimarg and Rail Pathri. The drill witnessed active participation from the District Administration, Police, SDRF, NDRF, Health Department, Fire and Emergency Services, Civil Defence, BRO, Army, CRPF, BSF, Disaster Management teams, Traffic Police, volunteers, and various other stakeholder departments associated with Yatra management.
During the simulated emergency conditions, the rescue teams demonstrated coordinated evacuation procedures, search and rescue operations, firefighting measures, emergency medical response, triage, casualty evacuation, communication protocols, and traffic regulation. Essential resources, including ambulances, rescue vehicles, firefighting equipment, and disaster response assets, were deployed at designated locations to test their operational readiness. Brigadier Gurung noted that the mock exercise proved highly fruitful in ensuring all stakeholders are well-versed in their responsibilities and instrumental in fostering seamless interdepartmental coordination. Senior officers—including the Camp Director of Baltal, Additional Camp Directors, and representatives from SASB, NDRF, SDRF, Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF, Army, police, health, Civil Defense, transport, fire, and other emergency services—remained present at various locations to supervise the exercise and review response mechanisms. Following the drills, NDMA experts carried out a post-exercise analysis to discuss the entire operation and underline areas needing improvement. The event was also attended by SDM Kangan, Tehsildar Gund, and representatives from the participating police and rescue teams.