30 May 2025: Amid tensions with Pakistan, a mock drill will be conducted tomorrow in the border states of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan, as well as Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
This drill was initially scheduled for Thursday under Operation Shield but was postponed due to administrative reasons. This is the first mock drill after the imposition of wartime conditions with Pakistan from the evening of May 10.
The Directorate General of Fire Services and Home Guards has stated that the mock drill will demonstrate ways to deal with enemy aircraft, drones, and missile attacks. During this, sirens will be sounded and emergency response systems will be tested. Civil defense officials have appealed to the states and Union Territories to plan and organize the mock drill from Saturday at 5 PM, involving all local administrations.
Practice for Handling Emergency Situations
During Operation Shield, tasks such as ensuring preparedness of local civil security administration, mobilizing volunteers like NCC, NSS, Bharat Scouts and Guides, establishing hotlines between the Air Force and Civil Defense control rooms regarding enemy aircraft and missile attacks, activating air raid sirens, ensuring blackout conditions, and protecting people and property will be carried out.
Earlier, after the Pulwama terror attack, mock drills were conducted on May 7 in 244 districts as per instructions from the Central Ministry of Home Affairs.
What Does the Mock Drill Include?
Attack Siren:
During the mock drill, an air attack warning siren will sound, indicating a nearby rocket or missile attack is imminent. All citizens must immediately proceed to government-designated safe places.
Training for Citizens:
Training will be provided at various locations for ordinary citizens and school students on what to do in case of an attack and how to help people around them. This includes preventing panic and providing basic first aid.
Blackout:
Training will also cover the situation after a sudden power cut. During air attacks, many electrical devices will be turned off, which helps protect against enemy air attacks.
Hiding and Evacuating from Danger Zones:
People will be trained on how to hide and conceal important items and places so they are not easily visible during enemy satellite or aerial surveillance. Training will also cover how to evacuate and remove people from the most vulnerable areas.
Summary:
Punjab will conduct a mock blackout drill tomorrow at 6 PM in border districts to test civil defence readiness, urging residents to stay indoors and cooperate.