Integrated Disaster Preparedness Drills in India

Integrated Disaster Preparedness Drills in India

 

India’s geographical diversity, while a source of immense natural wealth, also places it among the most disaster-prone nations in the world. With over half of its landmass exposed to earthquakes, large swathes vulnerable to droughts, and a vast coastline susceptible to cyclones and tsunamis, the nation faces continuous challenges from both natural and man-made hazards. Increasing instances of cloud bursts, urban flooding, and industrial accidents have further emphasized the need for a robust disaster preparedness strategy. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has developed detailed guidelines for Disaster Management Exercises (DMEx) to regularly test plans, assess readiness, and ensure coordinated responses across agencies and communities.

 

Legal and Policy Framework for Preparedness

India’s disaster preparedness architecture is built on a strong legal foundation, primarily anchored in the Disaster Management Act, 2005. This Act created a multi-tier institutional structure — national, state, and district levels, to ensure comprehensive disaster prevention, mitigation, and response. Key bodies such as the NDMA, State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) were established to create policies, oversee preparedness measures, and coordinate emergency operations.

Specialized agencies like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were also mandated under this Act. The NDRF is trained to respond to both natural and complex disasters, including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. The Act also mandates the preparation of disaster management plans, creation of disaster response funds, integration of disaster risk reduction (DRR) into development projects, and provision of emergency powers and relief standards.

Complementing this is the National Policy on Disaster Management (2009), which marked a shift from a relief-centric approach to a preparedness and resilience-focused strategy. The National Disaster Management Plan (2019) further serves as an actionable blueprint for DRR, aligning India’s efforts with the global Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030).

 

Understanding India’s Vulnerability Landscape

India’s disaster vulnerability is stark and multi-dimensional:

  • 58% of its landmass lies in earthquake-prone zones.
     
  • 68% of cultivable land is susceptible to drought.
     
  • 12% of total land is vulnerable to floods.
     
  • A 5,700 km stretch of coastline faces the threat of cyclones and tsunamis.
     

Urban areas are increasingly exposed to hazards such as urban flooding, high-rise fires, industrial accidents, and CBRN incidents. According to official assessments, 27 of the 36 states and Union Territories are disaster-prone, highlighting the need for preparedness across administrative and geographic boundaries.

 

Institutions Driving Disaster Preparedness

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

The NDMA, chaired by the Prime Minister, is the apex body responsible for framing policies, issuing guidelines, and ensuring coordinated disaster risk management. It also spearheads capacity-building initiatives and fosters integration of preparedness into governance systems.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

The NDRF, comprising 16 specialized battalions, plays a frontline role in search, rescue, and relief operations. It maintains readiness for rapid deployment and conducts proactive capacity-building exercises with local administrations and communities.

Local Bodies, NGOs, and Community Groups

Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and community-based organizations are critical in executing grassroots preparedness measures. They conduct local drills, spread awareness, and coordinate evacuation and relief efforts during crises.

 

The Role of Disaster Management Exercises (DMEx)

Simulation-based exercises are an essential pillar of India’s preparedness strategy. These Disaster Management Exercises (DMEx) are designed to test the effectiveness of disaster plans, assess the capacity of first responders, and evaluate inter-agency coordination.

NDMA’s DMEx guidelines outline specific roles:

  • Authorities: Conduct regular, multi-level drills aligned with official disaster management plans, integrating lessons learned into policy updates.
     
  • First Responders: Undertake action-oriented exercises, coordinate with Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs), and work under the Incident Response System (IRS).
     
  • Local Governance Bodies: Encourage community involvement, align local preparedness plans with district and state frameworks.
     
  • NGOs and Volunteers: Mobilize community members, assist in executing drills, and provide feedback for improvement.
     
  • Communities: Actively participate, learn standard response protocols, and contribute suggestions.
     
  • Media: Disseminate accurate, real-time information and promote preparedness culture through awareness campaigns.
     

By involving all stakeholders—from high-level agencies to citizens—DMEx initiatives aim to strengthen the last mile of disaster response.

 

International Alignment: The Sendai Framework

India’s disaster preparedness efforts are aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), a United Nations-endorsed agreement that emphasizes proactive risk reduction over reactive relief. The framework advocates for state-led action supported by multi-stakeholder partnerships, aiming to substantially reduce disaster mortality, economic losses, and damage to infrastructure. India’s adoption of the Sendai priorities ensures that preparedness drills are not isolated events but part of a global commitment to building resilience.

 

Recent Integrated Drills and Their Significance

The year 2025 has already witnessed several notable preparedness drills:

Uttar Pradesh Flood Mock Exercise – June 24 & 26, 2025

Conducted across all 118 tehsils in 44 flood-prone districts, this exercise tested the state’s flood response readiness. It involved evacuation simulations, coordination between district administrations, and real-time decision-making at Emergency Operation Centers.

Amarnath Yatra Mock Drill – June 28, 2025

Held along the southern route of the pilgrimage (Pahalgam Axis), this drill ensured that all stakeholders—from police and disaster management agencies to medical teams—were prepared to handle emergencies during the high-altitude pilgrimage season.

Exercise Suraksha Chakra – August 1, 2025

This was India’s first integrated, multi-state earthquake preparedness exercise, covering Delhi-NCR across 55 locations in 18 districts. Involving the NDMA, Indian Army, and multiple SDMAs, the exercise featured siren alerts, building evacuations, medical response simulations, and the testing of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under realistic conditions.

These drills not only validated existing plans but also revealed operational gaps, enabling authorities to refine strategies before an actual crisis strikes.

 

Way Forward: Building a Culture of Preparedness

While India has developed a strong institutional framework, certain areas need further strengthening:

  • Regular Multi-Hazard Drills: Beyond single-hazard simulations, integrated exercises should address cascading disasters like earthquake-triggered industrial accidents or floods following cyclones.
     
  • Technology Integration: Use of AI-based early warning systems, geospatial mapping, and real-time communication platforms to improve the precision and timeliness of response.
     
  • Public Engagement: Preparedness must become a societal habit, with schools, residential societies, and workplaces conducting periodic drills.
     
  • Private Sector Collaboration: Industries, particularly those handling hazardous materials, should integrate NDMA guidelines into their safety protocols and emergency preparedness plans.
     
  • Capacity Building at the Local Level: Training more community volunteers and enhancing the equipment and skills of local first responders.
     

By embedding preparedness into everyday governance and community life, India can shift from a reactive disaster management model to one that is anticipatory and resilient.

 

Conclusion

Integrated disaster preparedness drills are more than just annual formalities; they are critical rehearsals that determine how effectively lives and livelihoods can be safeguarded when real disasters strike. With a multi-hazard environment and complex socio-economic vulnerabilities, India’s readiness depends on the synergy between its legal framework, institutional capacity, community participation, and technological innovation. By following global best practices like the Sendai Framework and conducting realistic, inclusive drills, the nation can ensure that its disaster management system remains both agile and effective.