GANGTOK: A fire safety mock drill was successfully conducted at the Khangchendzonga Shopping Complex in Lall Bazaar, Gangtok on Monday.
Organised by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Gangtok, the exercise was aimed at evaluating emergency preparedness, testing response protocols, and strengthening coordination among all concerned agencies during fire-related incidents at the complex.
As part of the simulated scenario, a fire was reported on the third floor of the shopping complex, following which the Sikkim Fire and Emergency Services promptly responded and successfully extinguished the fire, while the injured were safely rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and transported to the STNM Emergency Unit.
The mock drill saw the participation of key officials including the District Magistrate-cum-Chairman, DDMA Gangtok, Tushar Nikhare; Superintendent of Police, Gangtok, Mahendra Subba; Sub Divisional Police Officer, Gangtok, Mingyur T Nadik; Sub Divisional Magistrate Gangtok, Mr Mahendra Chettri; officials from the District Administrative Centre (DAC) Gangtok; personnel from DDMA Gangtok and Sikkim Police, the SDRF team, and volunteers from the All Sikkim Traders Association and the civil defence society.
A post-drill review and briefing session was held at the District Control Room, MG Marg, chaired by the DM, Tushar Nikhare.
During the session, the DM appreciated the coordinated efforts of all participating teams and shared detailed feedback. He stressed the need for improved preparedness at the shopping complex by instructing that basic stretchers be stored for ease of rescue, first aid boxes be made available on every floor, and exit signs that glow in the dark be installed for better visibility during emergencies.
He further directed that cables at the entrance of the complex be properly managed and secured, nearby refuge areas be identified, and evacuation paths be clearly demarcated and kept accessible at all times.
He also touched upon the revival of civil defence services through basic training and issuing of ID cards to volunteers, reactivation of the automatic sprinkler system at the shopping complex, and regular cleaning of water storage tanks.
The DM also commended the Gangtok Municipal Corporation and all concerned for the notable improvement in cleanliness and maintenance of the complex, which had previously been in poor condition, and extended his thanks for the smooth conduct and cooperation throughout the drill.
Superintendent of Police, Gangtok, Mahendra Subba, in his address, highlighted the significance of teamwork in managing real-time emergencies. He stated that such coordinated actions can effectively minimise casualties and hoped that, in the event of any real-life emergency, all concerned personnel and volunteers would step up and perform their roles with promptness and unity.
The session also saw active participation from various line departments and agencies, who shared their observations, takeaways, and suggestions based on the drill experience.
There were deliberations on the importance of securing assembly and evacuation points, strengthening the role of volunteers in actual emergency situations, and the need to maintain accessible blueprints of institutions like shopping complexes for better planning and execution of rescue operations.
Deputy Director, DDMA Gangtok, Sonam Wangyal Lepcha, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the participation and contribution of all stakeholders. He also pointed out certain gaps in execution which, he said, must be acknowledged and addressed for better preparedness in the future.
It may be noted that another fire mock drill is scheduled to be conducted at West Point Mall in the capital towards the end of July.
The District Magistrate expressed hope that the learnings and insights gathered from today’s drill would be effectively applied and executed during the upcoming exercise.
- IPR Report
