Pune Braces For Monsoon: NDRF Conducts Dramatic Disaster Drills At Bhushi Dam, Pawna Lake, Lonavala & More

Ahead of monsoon season, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted a large-scale monsoon and disaster response exercise on Tuesday across multiple locations in Pune.

Few specialized teams participated in this exercise aimed at strengthening disaster response capabilities and coordination during emergencies like floods, landslides, earthquakes, and chemical incidents.

This exercise was conducted at several other places than Pune district to check the readiness of the teams for the upcoming monsoon season and potential disaster situations.

The mock drills took place at various strategic locations including: Pune (Bhushi Dam, Pawna Lake, Ashkhed Dam, Ranjangaon MIDC, Kolawade Village, Lonavala Tiger Point, Andra Dam).

Areas in Pune district in Tehsils like Bhor, Velhe, Ambegaon, Junnar, Maval and Khed are prone to landslides and floods in monsoon. Even the city saw floods after rainfall.

These villages under threat are nestled in the Sahyadri ranges, with no connecting roads. Often, the administration even struggles to provide emergency services to their residents during the monsoon and that is when NDRF comes in picture.

In 2014, Pune district had recorded a massive landslide in the Malin village of Ambegaon, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 151 victims.

2024 floods

Last year, in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune, NDRF was mobilised for emergency flood relief in twin towns amid downpours. Following the discharge of water from the Khadakwasla, Mulshi, Pavana and other dams in the Pune region, residents of the possible danger zones and those living in the flood line radius of dams and rivers, were relocated to safe places in Pune.

Each scenario was designed to reflect real-life emergencies and tested the teams’ operational efficiency and quick response mechanisms. The exercises included flood water rescue operations, landslide and earthquake response drills, and handling of chemical emergencies.

5 BN NDRF proudly reaffirms its commitment to public safety and disaster resilience. The battalion remains ever-ready to respond swiftly and effectively in any crisis, ensuring the safety and security of citizens.