Chenab River Flood Drill: NHPC Salal and Reasi Administration Test Early Warning Systems

REASI, JULY 07 – In a proactive measure to counter monsoon vulnerabilities, the NHPC Salal Power Station in collaboration with the District Administration Reasi executed a comprehensive joint mock drill today near the Chenab River at Nambala. The high-stakes exercise was specifically designed to evaluate the operational efficiency of the region’s Early Warning System (EWS), streamline inter-departmental communication channels, and fortify real-time response protocols for flood-related crises. By simulating a sudden, critical surge in water levels that triggered automated EWS alerts, the drill successfully put the tactical readiness of local emergency infrastructure to the test, ensuring all stakeholders are equipped to handle sudden water releases from the dam.

The simulated emergency brought together an array of specialized teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Jammu & Kashmir Police, the Health Department, and NHPC technical experts. Throughout the exercise, rescue personnel executed rapid evacuation procedures, medical triaging, and advanced aquatic search and rescue techniques under realistic pressure conditions. Commenting on the successful deployment, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Reasi, Krishan Lal, emphasized that the collaborative drill served as a vital benchmark for evaluating response times and regional coordination. He lauded the synchronized efforts of the SDRF, NDRF, and NHPC officials, noting that these preventative exercises are foundational to minimizing civilian risk and safeguarding lives during actual environmental contingencies. Key district officials, including GGM NHPC Jatinder Kumar, the Chief Medical Officer, and the Tehsildar of Reasi, were also present to oversee the strategic operations.