Delhi NCR is all set to witness one of the largest safety preparedness exercises ever conducted — the ‘Suraksha Chakra’ mock drill. Organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the Indian Army and the state governments of Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, this multi-agency exercise aims to prepare the region for emergency responses to disasters such as earthquakes and chemical accidents.

The drill is scheduled from July 29 to August 1, 2025, and will involve several stages of planning, coordination, and simulated disaster responses. Authorities have urged the public to stay calm and cooperate during this crucial preparedness event.

Why This Mock Drill is Being Conducted

The primary goal of the Suraksha Chakra drill is to assess and improve inter-agency coordination and the disaster response capabilities of multiple government bodies. Delhi NCR is located in Seismic Zone IV, which makes it highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Additionally, with its dense population and high-rise buildings, an effective response system is critical for saving lives in the event of a real disaster.

The mock drill will help in:

• Identifying gaps in communication and coordination
• Testing real-time response mechanisms
• Training teams for on-ground emergency handling
• Raising public awareness and resilience

Timeline of the Drill

Here’s how the mock drill schedule is laid out:

• July 29, 2025: A high-level risk assessment meeting will be held at Manekshaw Centre, where senior officials will review vulnerabilities and disaster preparedness strategies specific to the National Capital Region.
• July 30, 2025: Teams from NDMA, the Armed Forces, Civil Defence, and disaster management departments will take part in mock planning and strategy sessions based on imagined scenarios.
• August 1, 2025: The main earthquake mock drill will be conducted simultaneously across 18 districts of Delhi NCR. Emergency response teams will swing into action to handle a staged earthquake crisis scenario.

What to Expect on August 1

Citizens may witness several unusual activities across Delhi NCR on August 1, including:

• Sound of sirens and loudspeakers
• Increased movement of ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles, and army convoys
• Setting up of temporary field offices, medical centers, and shelters
• Simulated search and rescue operations
• Presence of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Civil Defence, and other emergency teams

Authorities emphasize that this is a drill and not a real emergency. All actions are part of a planned operation to enhance disaster readiness.

Delhi Areas Participating in the Drill

All 11 districts of Delhi will actively participate in the earthquake simulation. These include:

1. Central Delhi
2. New Delhi
3. East Delhi
4. Shahdara
5. North Delhi
6. North East Delhi
7. North West Delhi
8. West Delhi
9. South Delhi
10. South East Delhi
11. South West Delhi

These locations will host mock activities involving simulated building collapses, injured citizens, and emergency evacuations.

Public Advisory

The NDMA and other participating agencies have requested the public to stay calm and cooperate during the drill. The exercise is strictly a simulation, and no real danger is present.

Residents are advised:

• Not to panic upon seeing emergency vehicles or hearing sirens
• To follow instructions from officials on-site
• To avoid restricted drill zones if not involved

Conclusion

The Suraksha Chakra mock drill is a significant step toward ensuring the safety and preparedness of Delhi NCR. In a region prone to seismic activity, such coordinated efforts can make a huge difference during real emergencies. The drill is not just a government formality — it’s a crucial initiative to build a disaster-resilient urban ecosystem.

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