JOIN USThis was a mock drill that was supposed to create awareness regarding life saving mechanisms and techniques during times of mid-water crisis.
However, it turned out to be just that, a total mockery, with the motor boating that was brought for the drill, failing to start. Hence, the drill turned into more of an ‘exercise’ for NDRF 10 Batallion policemen to demonstrate ways and means of saving lives, using an empty air boat here on Monday.
The show, that was arranged close to Vahni pushkarani near Cauvery river, behind Rameshwara temple in Ramanathapur, fell flat on its face when the machine boat refused to budge. The engine had conked off, and the ‘preparedness’ of the 26-member National Disaster Management Force police who had come all the way from Andhra Pradesh to show people on life saving acts during times of flash floods, came out in the open.
Those who had gathered to learn a thing or two from the exercise saw the police make last minute arrangements, and change the boat from engine-powered outboat, to an airboat which served as just a metaphor.
The police probably made up for it by showing ways of wearing life jacket and life buoy, during times of strong currents, and saving those along with them. Addressing the gathering, member of the battallion, Chandru said NDMF had to be informed during times of flash floods so that the police can rush to the rescue of people in helicopters.
He however, regretted the fact that the mock drill wasn’t complete owing to a faulty boat. People left the place with lessons on swimming in the tide and rescuing those who are drowning, which they probably knew best having grown up in the lap of river.