Pakyong Airport Hosts Extensive Mock Emergency Exercise

Gangtok, Jun 27 (PTI) In a bid to strengthen coordinated response strategies, Pakyong Airport near Gangtok was the site of an extensive mock emergency exercise held on Friday, officials reported. The exercise was orchestrated to replicate a real-time aircraft accident scenario, aiming to assess and enhance the airport's crisis management capabilities. This initiative follows increased attention to aviation safety post the recent Ahmedabad crash, as noted by the Sikkim Information and Public Relations department.

Organized under the guidance of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the exercise featured the synchronized participation of several agencies. Key participants included the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Sikkim State Fire and Emergency Services, AAI Fire and Rescue teams, local Primary Health Centre (PHC) personnel, and various district-level support agencies.

The simulation was designed to test not only the promptness and efficiency of each participating unit but also their ability to cooperate seamlessly under duress, the statement noted. Inter-agency coordination was emphasized, particularly between AAI's operational divisions, like ATC and Fire Services, and external emergency units such as the State Fire Service and medical responders.

The main goal was to ensure all personnel are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities during a crisis and can operate as a well-integrated team, the statement said.