HSNC University, Mumbai Conducts Disaster Management Mock Drill & Prepraredness Workshop At Its Worli Campus In Collaboration With NDRF

HSNC University, Mumbai in collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), organised a comprehensive Disaster Management Mock Drill and Awareness Workshop at its Worli campus to enhance disaster preparedness among students, faculty and staff. The event aimed to equip the University community with practical skills and knowledge to effectively respond to a range of disaster scenarios such as floods, landslides, earthquakes and chemical emergencies.

Led by Inspector Gaurav Chauhan and his expert team from the 5^th Battalion, NDRF, RRC Mumbai (Andheri West), the workshop featured a series of realistic drills that simulated emergencies such as flash floods, landslides, building collapses and fire outbreaks. The NDRF team demonstrated swift water rescues using inflatable boats and ropes while also showcasing innovative 'jugaad' methods—such as using dry coconuts, empty plastic bottles and other locally available floatation aids—in situations where standard rescue equipment may not be accessible. Techniques for safely responding to landslides and structural/ building collapses were illustrated in detail, along with rapid evacuation protocols in the event of fire, providing participants with a practical and adaptable approach to emergency response.

A key component of the workshop was basic life support, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with a focus on mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, chest compressions and how to assess and maintain an open airway—critical skills that can help save lives in the crucial moments before professional medical help arrives.

The session also included practical demonstrations of how to apply eye bandages, treat minor burns and manage fractures using makeshift splints. Participants were shown how to identify and respond to shock, safely move injured individuals using stretcher techniques and perform proper body support during lifts and transfers to prevent further injury. Emphasis was placed on calm decision-making and situational awareness—critical aspects of disaster response in crowded urban settings.

Participants were also trained in critical life-saving skills such as first-aid administration, victim evacuation procedures, crisis communication protocols and crowd control techniques during emergencies. Additionally, drills involving the handling of hazardous materials underscored the NDRF’s capacity to manage chemical emergencies with precision and caution. Each scenario was designed to reflect real-life emergencies and tested the teams’ operational efficiency and quick response mechanisms.

 

Speaking at the workshop, Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University, said, “Collaborations like these play a pivotal role in shaping a safer, more informed academic community. By engaging directly with experts from the NDRF, our students and staff gain not only theoretical knowledge but also the hands-on experience necessary to respond confidently and efficiently in times of crisis”.

Dr. Bagla also took the opportunity to announce a new initiative aimed at empowering student leaders at HSNC University. “In keeping with our commitment to nurturing leadership, civic responsibility and national representation among our students, we are pleased to launch the HSNC Student Ambassadors Program,” she shared. This program seeks to identify and empower student leaders who will represent the University at various State and National-level forums, youth conventions, policy dialogues, innovation summits and outreach missions, furthering the University’s mission to develop socially responsible and globally engaged leaders.

 Inspector Chauhan stressed that these simulations are crucial for enhancing response times and team coordination, while also fostering vital inter-agency collaboration with local authorities and first responders.

The workshop saw active involvement from key stakeholders in Mumbai’s disaster preparedness ecosystem. Mr. Rajendra Lokhande and Mr. Bhrahmadande from the Disaster Management Cell, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) were also present, reinforcing the importance of coordination between educational institutions and civic authorities in building resilient communities.

 Dr. Bhagwan Balani, Registrar of HSNC University, added, “Preparedness is the cornerstone of safety. This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a resilient campus environment where every individual knows their role in a crisis. We thank the NDRF for their expertise and unwavering service to the nation.”

MCGM officials who were present during the workshop also emphasised the importance of community readiness and a well-coordinated response to minimise casualties and damage during emergency situations. With increasing climate unpredictability and the growing frequency of extreme weather events, the NDRF’s preparedness exercises reaffirm their vital role in disaster response and resilience-building.

The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where NDRF officials addressed queries, further deepening participants’ understanding of disaster management protocols.

“Workshops like these instill a strong sense of civic duty and readiness in our students, aligning perfectly with the NSS mission of community engagement and national service,” Dr. Satish Kolte, Director, NSS, HSNC University said.

NDRF, over the years, has earned a formidable reputation as reliable first responders to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and cyclones. The force’s personnel are celebrated for their professionalism, courage and seamless coordination.

Established in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act of 2005, the NDRF has evolved into a specialised, multi-skilled rescue force. Comprising 12 battalions from the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles, the force has rescued over 7 lakh individuals and saved nearly 1.5 lakh lives during its 18-year history. Their contributions extend beyond India, with operations in disasters such as the 2011 Japan Triple Disaster, the 2015 Nepal earthquake and the 2023 Türkey earthquake earning global recognition. 

(All photos courtesy Amol Mohite)

Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 01:40 PM IST