Centre, State forces hold joint mock drill on Teesta bridge to secure Chicken’s Neck region

A joint mock drill was conducted on Friday on a key bridge over the Teesta River in North Bengal by central and state security agencies. The exercise aimed at enhancing preparedness and coordination to secure vital infrastructure in the Chicken’s Neck region — a narrow corridor that connects mainland India to the northeastern states.

The mock drill included participation from paramilitary forces and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). It was conducted under directives issued by the central government to increase surveillance and protection of infrastructure in sensitive areas of North Bengal. Security agencies focused on rapid response, emergency preparedness, and the protection of river bridges during the drill.

The Teesta River originates in Sikkim and flows through Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar districts before entering Bangladesh. Several key bridges, including those at Teesta Bazar, Sevoke, Gajoldoba, Mekhliganj, Haldibari, and Jayin, lie on this route. These structures serve as critical links between Siliguri and the northeastern region, including Sikkim, and are essential for transport and logistics in the area.

Sources said the Air Force has initiated aerial surveillance under the “Routine Watch Trial Program” to monitor Teesta river bridges using helicopters. Surveillance orders have also been issued for Bagdogra Airbase and the Hasimara bridge zone. Additional monitoring and checks are being enforced in these areas as part of the wider security exercise.

In the Sevoke-Gajoldoba belt, which houses the largest army firing range in the state, training is being conducted using advanced equipment and robotics-based technologies. Para-trooper landing drills from helicopters are also being performed at regular intervals to enhance deployment capabilities in case of emergency.