Aizawl: The Mizoram Environment, Forests & Climate Change Department, in collaboration with multiple agencies and NGOs, conducted a large-scale mock drill on January 31 to enhance preparedness for forest fire incidents.
Held near Durtlang, Leitan, the exercise was mandated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change following a State Level Monitoring Committee meeting on forest fire management.
During the drill, an artificial forest fire hazard was simulated, allowing various stakeholders to coordinate their response under the leadership of Pu Lalnunsanga Khawlhring, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Aizawl Forest Division, who acted as the Site Incident Commander.
The State Forest Fire Control Room, led by senior officials including Pu AK Biswal, PCCF Mizoram, and Pu NC Saravanan, CCF (Hqrs), supervised the operation, ensuring efficient fire containment and executing rescue and relief efforts for both humans and animals.
Conducted in alignment with the State Action Plan on Forest Fire, the exercise aimed to raise awareness and improve response mechanisms ahead of the fire season, which typically begins in January.
Following the drill, a debriefing session was held at the State Forest Fire Control Room, where officials evaluated the exercise’s effectiveness, identifying strengths and areas for further improvement.
Pu Laltlanhlua Zathang, IFS (CF Planning), extended gratitude to all participating organizations, including local NGOs, law enforcement agencies, medical teams, and disaster response units such as the NDRF and SDRF.
The successful execution of the mock drill reaffirmed Mizoram’s commitment to proactive forest fire management and inter-agency coordination in safeguarding its rich biodiversity.
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