Tabletop exercises for NEPEx 2026 were held across multiple districts in Nagaland.
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DIMAPUR/KOHIMA — Table top exercises for the 8th edition of the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) were conducted across multiple districts, including Kohima, Dimapur, Peren, Zunheboto, Noklak, Longleng, and Tseminyu on Wednesday.
The exercises aimed to assess preparedness and strengthen coordination among various departments ahead of the statewide mock drill scheduled for April 30.
Kohima: Addressing the inaugural session of the table top exercise at the State Emergency Operation Centre in Kohima, Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen called on all stakeholders to approach emergency exercises with seriousness.
He stated that such drills provide a crucial opportunity to identify gaps, improve systems, and strengthen response capacities by simulating real-life situations.
Imchen, who is also the Chairman of the State Executive Committee, outlined that the mock exercise scheduled for April 30 will simulate a high-intensity earthquake of magnitude 7.7 on the Richter scale. Such an event would lead to widespread structural damage, disruption of critical infrastructure, breakdown of communication systems, and immense pressure on healthcare services.
He stated that earthquakes could trigger secondary disasters such as landslides and fires, bringing together multiple stakeholders in a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. Pointing out the importance of honest evaluation, he noted that the exercise is not about demonstrating perfection but about identifying weaknesses within the system.
"There is no pass mark in this exercise. What we want to see is whether the system works and where the gaps are so that we can prepare better," he added.
Principal Secretary and Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha stated that in an increasingly uncertain environment, having plans alone is not sufficient; institutions must be able to work together seamlessly. He added that preparedness must be developed in advance, as there is no time to prepare when a disaster strikes.
Lead Consultant of the National Disaster Management Authority Sudhir Bahl clarified that while all districts will participate in the mock exercise, it will be conducted in a scaled-down manner with five to six sites activated in each district due to practical limitations.
Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) Harinder Singh Mavi also delivered a speech, assuring support in disaster response efforts.
Dimapur: In Dimapur, the exercise was organised by the District Disaster Management Authority at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office, Purana Bazar, Dimapur.
According to a DIPR report, key locations identified for the mock drill included the DC Office (staging area), Government Higher Secondary School in Purana Bazar, Hollotoli School in Naharbari, Westside Store in Darogapathar, Indian Oil in Kevijau, and Primary Health Centre Purana Bazar.
The exercise reviewed the tentative sequence of activities under the proposed "Operation Night Guard/Air Raid" scenario.
Peren: In Peren, the exercise was held at the DC's conference hall, focusing on earthquake and extreme weather scenarios. DC and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority in Peren, Hiazu Meru, highlighted the roles under the Incident Response System (IRS).
He informed that the drill would be conducted at two locations, Peren town and Jalukie town, simulating an earthquake with its epicentre at Piphema.
Sentilong Ozukum, Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), presented the scenario, while Vingutuo Angami, District Commandant of Home Guards and Civil Defence, demonstrated an air raid simulation. Kedigong of the District Disaster Management Authority also briefed the attendees.
Noklak: The exercise in Noklak was conducted at the Superintendent of Police’s conference hall. DC and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority in Noklak, P Mono Khiamniungan, elaborated on the roles and responsibilities during the exercise.
Relise Sangtam, Additional Deputy Commissioner and CEO of the District Disaster Management Authority in Noklak, highlighted the mock drill scenario and logistical arrangements. Tanghiu, DPA of the District Disaster Management Authority, conducted group briefings, and Sulem, OC Noklak (Wireless), demonstrated the use of wireless communication sets.
Longleng: In Longleng, the table top exercise was held at the DPDB hall under the chairmanship of DC and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority in Longleng, W Manpai Phom.
Four locations were identified for the exercise. Additional Superintendent of Police Hiatwa Iralu briefed on the involvement of line departments and their roles as per the IRS structure.
Tseminyu: A table top exercise was also conducted at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner's office in Tseminyu, where the resource inventory incident scenario and IRS roles and responsibilities were discussed.
Zunheboto: DC Zunheboto Dharam Raj, along with the head of office, virtually attended the conference held at the State Emergency Operation Centre in Kohima.