New Delhi: After giving a strong blow to terrorism, India is now focusing on strengthening its preparedness for any future emergency. As part of Operation Shield, the government on Saturday conducted large-scale mock drills in six border states and union territories – Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Jammu & Kashmir. The aim is to test and improve the response of security, health and disaster management agencies in case of emergencies like air strikes, cross-border attacks, terrorist incidents, or natural disasters.
These mock drills were held between 5 pm and 9 pm and included blackout exercises from 8 pm to 8.15 pm, during which lights and power were turned off to simulate an air raid situation. The purpose of these drills is also to make people aware of how to protect themselves during such times.
Jammu and Kashmir: Blackouts and air strike drills
In Jammu, Anantnag, Baramulla and other sensitive districts, air strike and blackout drills were conducted. The most intense drill took place in Akhnoor, where forces practiced how to respond to an air raid. Sirens were sounded and people were trained to take shelter. A complete blackout was enforced in Jammu from 8 pm.
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A special drill was conducted at the DC office in Srinagar, involving police, SDRF, civil defence, fire brigade, and health teams. This exercise was part of Operation Sindoor, where teams practiced how to rescue and treat people if Pakistan targeted civilian areas.
In Patan and Valsad districts of Gujarat, air attack sirens were heard as part of the drill. In Patan Tehsil office, a room was set on fire as part of a mock emergency. The rescue team safely rescued three people trapped inside. These drills helped test fire services and rescue coordination.
In Jaipur, the mock drill included a scenario of a sudden blast and aerial firing. A situation of panic and stampede was created. Police, SDRF, and medical teams rushed to the spot and carried out emergency operations. People were safely rescued, and the medical team provided quick assistance.
In Chandigarh, a mock air strike drill was held in Sector 47. Twenty people were evacuated from the area and brought to a community centre. Medical teams tested their emergency plans by arranging 30 units of blood and deploying extra doctors and nurses. The focus here was on testing coordination between departments and checking the readiness of civil defence, hospitals, and other units.
Volunteers from civil defence, home guards, NCC, NSS and local NGOs also took part in the mock drills. They practiced scenarios like drone attacks, missile attacks, rescue operations, and coordination with the Air Force and local authorities.
What is mock drill?
A mock drill is like a rehearsal. It checks how quickly and correctly people and agencies respond during emergencies such as bombings, air strikes, terrorist attacks, or natural disasters. It usually includes sounding alarms, taking people to safe places, helping the injured, and preparing police and army for field response.
What is blackout drill?
A blackout drill means turning off all lights in a particular area for a short time. This is done to hide the area from enemy aircraft or missiles during a possible air attack. It makes it difficult for the enemy to locate or target buildings and key infrastructure. These drills are announced in advance and are carried out with the help of police, army and civil administration.
