Shillong, Jul 24: A flood preparedness mock drill conducted downstream of the Ganol Dam on Thursday successfully tested emergency response systems in West Garo Hills, but authorities said the exercise also exposed how quickly false information can spread on social media.
The drill, organised by Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Limited (MePGCL) along with the District Disaster Management Authority, West Garo Hills, was carried out at Ganol Dam, Edenbari, Masumatagre, Soragre, Pagugre and Ringgi Songgital.
Officials from Police, Fire & Emergency Services, Health, SDRF, village authorities and residents from downstream villages took part. An Incident Command Post was set up at Masumatagre Sacred Heart School, with Jude Rangku T. Sangma, MCS, CEO DDMA West Garo Hills, serving as Incident Commander.
The exercise simulated a dam-related flood emergency to test evacuation protocols, rescue operations, communication systems and inter-departmental coordination.
During the drill, authorities said false messages claiming a breach of the Ganol Dam circulated on social media, causing unnecessary panic in some areas.
Officials clarified that the dam remains safe and secure and that the exercise was only a simulation. The public has been urged not to believe or share unverified information and to rely only on advisories from competent authorities.
“Such preparedness exercises are conducted in the interest of public safety. We seek full cooperation from citizens and request everyone to verify facts before forwarding messages,” officials said.
A Tabletop Exercise was held on July 22 at the Office of the Superintending Engineer, Ganol SHP, MePGCL, Rongkhon, Tura. Officials, Nokmas, Sordars and village representatives reviewed dam safety protocols, inundation mapping and response strategies ahead of the field drill.
MePGCL and DDMA said the successful completion of the drill reaffirms their commitment to strengthening disaster resilience and protecting communities living downstream of the Ganol Dam.
