Diplomat Correspondent
New Delhi:DD, Headquarters Delhi Area, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, successfully conducted Exercise SURAKSHA CHAKRA, a three-day Integrated Disaster Management Symposium cum Tabletop and Mock Exercise.
Organised at the initiative of HQ Delhi Area, this landmark exercise marked the first integrated multi-agency disaster preparedness effort across the National Capital Region (NCR).
The exercise aimed to strengthen inter-agency coordination, validate planning frameworks, and foster a Whole-of-Government response to large-scale emergencies such as earthquakes and chemical industrial hazards. Spanning 18 districts—11 from Delhi, 5 from Haryana, and 2 from Uttar Pradesh—the exercise brought together military, civil and scientific stakeholders to simulate real-time disaster scenarios and reinforce collaborative disaster response mechanism.
Day 1: Strategic Overview and Capability Mapping.
The exercise commenced at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt, with a high-level symposium focused on identifying disaster vulnerabilities in the NCR. Shri Rajendra Singh, Member and HoD, NDMA and Lt Gen Ata Hasnain, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Member, NDMA opened the session.
Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, GOC-in-C Western Command delivered the inaugural address for the session.
He underscored the importance of risk assessment, early warning systems and pre-positioning of relief material.
Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, AVSM, VSM, GOC Delhi Area, presented an overview of disaster threats within the Area of Responsibility and ongoing mitigation efforts. Maj Gen Navraj Dhillon, VSM, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area, highlighted the Indian Army’s historical and ongoing contributions to disaster management. Presentations from the Army, Air Force, NDRF and other agencies offered deep insights into threat perception and capabilities. An exhibition showcased cutting-edge relief and rescue technologies.
Day 2: State Preparedness and Scenario Planning.
The second day featured interactive sessions and a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) simulating dual hazards—a high-magnitude urban earthquake and a chemical leak.
Held again at Manekshaw Centre, the day began with addresses by Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), Member NDMA, and Shri Pradeep Samwal, Principal Secretary (Revenue), Govt of Delhi.
State disaster response agencies, NGOs and civil authorities participated in briefings that focused on preparedness, coordination, and community engagement.
The TTX tested real-time response mechanisms, medical triage, search and rescue, hazardous material containment and continuity of operations.
Indian Army’s HADR role was deliberated upon, reinforcing its vital place in military-civil fusion during crises.
GOC Delhi Area reiterated the Army’s readiness and highlighted the need for synergy across all stakeholders.
Day 3: Field Execution and Mock Exercise.
The final day saw full-scale mock drills conducted simultaneously across all 18 NCR districts. More than 55 locations across Delhi were activated for conduct of the exercise.
Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) were activated and inter-agency drills tested coordination in dynamic, simulated disaster scenarios.
The Indian Army actively participated by operationalising its EOC at Delhi Cantt and deploying observers.
Lt Gen Ata Hasnain (Retd) and GOC Delhi Area visited several locations, interacted with relief personnel, and reviewed on-ground execution. NDMA appreciated the Indian Army’s professionalism and pivotal support in the success of the exercise.
Exercise SURAKSHA CHAKRA concluded as a landmark initiative driven by HQ Delhi Area and NDMA, institutionalising joint mechanisms for disaster management in one of India’s most complex urban regions.
It set a precedent for civil-military cooperation, aligning strategic vision with operational readiness for a resilient NCR.DD
