NDRF Conducts Mock Drill at Mandar Mountain Ropeway Ahead of New Year Rush in Bihar

Ahead of the anticipated surge of tourists during New Year celebrations, the district administration in Bihar’s Banka has stepped up safety preparedness at the Mandar Mountain Ropeway. On Saturday, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted a comprehensive mock drill and special rescue training exercise to ensure swift and effective response in case of any emergency.

The one-day mock drill was organized at Terminal Number One of the ropeway located at the renowned religious and tourist destination, Mandar Mountain, under the Bounsi block. The exercise witnessed joint participation from the 9th Battalion of the NDRF from Patna-Bihta and a rescue team from Deoghar. Ropeway staff were imparted hands-on training in disaster management, rescue operations, and safety protocols.

The program was led by Deputy Commandant Vivek Kumar, Deputy Commandant Dr. B.K. Jha, and Inspector Murli Sharma of the NDRF. During the drill, detailed guidance was provided on handling potential accidents during ropeway operations, including immediate rescue measures, evacuation procedures, and administration of first aid.

As part of the exercise, a simulated emergency situation was created in which passengers were shown trapped inside a chair car near Terminal Number One. The ropeway team initiated the rescue at the lower terminal, following which the NDRF team arrived at the site. NDRF personnel climbed the ropeway pillars, reached the suspended cabin using safety ropes, and safely evacuated the stranded passengers with the help of specialized rescue equipment.

Special emphasis was laid on the use of safety gear such as helmets, gloves, safety belts, and other modern equipment. The personnel were also trained in providing basic medical aid, maintaining calm among passengers during emergencies, and working in close coordination to ensure timely rescue. The live demonstration provided valuable practical exposure to ropeway staff and local authorities in managing crisis situations efficiently.

Earlier, in the first session of the program, Inspector Murli Sharma delivered a detailed presentation on disaster management using a projector. Citing the successful large-scale rescue operation at the Deoghar ropeway, he highlighted how timely decisions and well-trained teams play a crucial role in minimizing loss of life during disasters.

The administration stated that such preparedness measures are essential to ensure the safety of devotees and tourists visiting Mandar Mountain, especially during peak seasons, and reaffirmed its commitment to preventing any untoward incidents through proactive planning and training.