24/07/2025
Fire Mock Drill Successfully Conducted at West Point Mall, Gangtok
A comprehensive Fire Mock Drill was successfully conducted at West Point Mall, Gangtok at 11:00 AM, today.
Organised by District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), in coordination with the allied government departments and the Civil Defence team the exercise aimed to simulate a real-life fire emergency, evaluate the preparedness of response agencies, mall authorities and strengthen disaster resilience in high-traffic public spaces.
The drill commenced with a simulated fire outbreak reported simultaneously at the Food Court on the third floor and the basement of West Point Mall. Upon receiving the alert, the mall’s control room promptly notified DDMA, following a swift and coordinated response. Sikkim Fire and Emergency Services deployed their rescue team, efficiently controlled and extinguished the simulated fire.
Concurrently, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) demonstrated agility in rescuing injured individuals, while medical teams provided on-site first aid. Critically injured victims were evacuated to STNM Hospital Emergency Unit and Central Referral Hospital, Manipal, for advanced care.
The exercise was overseen by the District Magistrate-cum-Chairman, DDMA Gangtok, Mr Tushar Nikhare. Also present were Councillor, Arithang, Ward no 9, Mr Karma Tempo Rapgay; ADC, Gangtok, Mr Sisum Wangchuk Bhutia; Superintendent of Police, Gangtok, Mr Mahendra S***a; ASP Mr Karma Chedup; SDPO Gangtok, Mingyur Tempa; ASP Home Guard, Ms Tshering Yangzom; Traffic ASP, Pravin Lamichaney; SHO, Sadar Thana, Mr Niraj Khatiwada; and SDM, Gangtok, Mahendra Chettri. Officials of Public Health Engineering Department, Power Department, Sikkim State Fire and Emergency Service, Smart City, Health and Family Welfare Department, GMC, Urban Primary Health Care, volunteers from Civil Defence, Volunteers & officers of DDMA and West Point Mall staff also participated in the mock drill.
A post-drill debriefing session, chaired by Mr Tushar Nikhare, was held at the West Point Mall’s control room. He sought feedback from participating departments on their responsiveness, coordination, and suggestions for enhancing future drills. Emphasis was placed on strengthening safety protocols at West Point Mall. The mall’s General Manager Mr Avijit Gupta, presented the floor-wise layout plan, which the District Magistrate directed to be prominently displayed for public awareness. He also stressed the importance of clear signage, unobstructed exit pathways, and adequate firefighting resources, including sufficient water storage in the mall’s tanks. Additionally, he instructed the immediate resolution of any loose or hanging electrical wires to mitigate potential hazards.
He underscored the critical role of mock drills in evaluating response readiness and fostering public confidence in disaster preparedness, particularly in high-footfall areas like shopping malls. Representatives from the allied line departments shared valuable insights and recommendations to further improve disaster response strategies.
Training Officer, DDMA, Ms Bijeyta Kharel, delivered vote of thanks, commending the collective efforts of all teams and agencies involved in the successful ex*****on of the drill.
The fire mock drill concluded with all teams demonstrating swift, effective, and coordinated responses, reinforcing the importance of such exercises in building a culture of safety and resilience among citizens
