NDRF conducts rescue drill in Tripura's scenic Dumboor Lake

In a bid to further strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response mechanisms, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Tuesday conducted a special rescue drill at Dumboor Lake in the Mandirghat area under Karbook Sub-Division of Gomati district.

Dumboor Lake attracts a good number of tourists round the year. 

The exercise witnessed the participation of NDRF personnel and local volunteers, demonstrating coordinated rescue operations in the event of water-related accidents and natural disasters.

Among those present were Gomati District Magistrate Rinku Lather, Karbook Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pradip Debbarma, and other senior administrative officers. The drill was conducted under the leadership of NDRF Inspector Ajit Kumar, who supervised a realistic demonstration of how tourists involved in accidents on the reservoir can be rescued swiftly and safely.

During the mock exercise, rescue teams simulated a scenario in which a tourist accidentally fell into the water while enjoying a boat ride on the scenic Dumboor Lake. NDRF personnel showcased rapid response techniques, deployment of modern rescue equipment, coordinated teamwork, and quick decision-making strategies required during emergencies.

Volunteers from the Karbook sub-divisional disaster management team also actively participated in the operation, assisting NDRF personnel throughout the exercise. Officials said that such training will significantly enhance the capacity of local responders to react effectively during future emergencies.

Following the drill, a review meeting was held at the Jatanbari Electric Dak Bungalow under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate. Officials from various government departments, including Public Works, Health, Rural Development, School Education, Forest, Police, and Fire & Emergency Services, attended the meeting.

The discussion focused on the roles and responsibilities of different departments during any potential disaster involving the Dumboor Dam. Representatives of Tripura Power Generation Limited (TPGL), which is responsible for the maintenance of the dam, informed the meeting that the structure is currently completely safe and shows no signs of cracks or structural weakness.

Despite the assurance, the district administration emphasized the need for constant preparedness and directed all concerned departments to remain alert and ready to respond to any emergency situation.

Speaking to the media, the District Magistrate said that a series of special disaster management drills have been conducted across vulnerable areas of Gomati district since June 15 with the support of the NDRF.

“Mandirghat and Dumboor Lake are highly sensitive from a disaster management perspective. Due to the comparatively high water levels in the area, accidents can occur at any time. The objective of this exercise is to ensure seamless coordination between rescue teams and local volunteers during emergencies,” she said.

The initiative has been welcomed by local residents, who noted that the number of tourists visiting the Dumboor Lake is steadily increasing. They said that practical awareness and preparedness exercises of this nature are essential to ensure public safety and improve disaster response capabilities in the region.