In a major move to strengthen public safety and disaster preparedness, the Directorates of SDRF and Civil Defence Kashmir and Jammu will conduct a comprehensive civil defence mock drill across Jammu and Kashmir today, Saturday, at 5:00 PM.
The drill is part of a broader national effort to enhance readiness for potential emergencies, particularly in light of recent security concerns. This state-level exercise follows the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Operation Abhyas, a nationwide mock drill conducted on May 7, ahead of India’s Operation Sindoor. While Operation Abhyas was carried out nationwide, it was cancelled in J&K at the time, prompting this standalone drill now.
What to Expect
According to Civil Defence Directorate officials, emergency sirens will be activated across various regions in J&K to simulate wartime alerts. The public has been urged not to panic, as this is a routine preparedness exercise.
The mock drill will simulate scenarios involving:
- Air raid sirens and blackout protocols
- Evacuation of civilians from military zones during drone attacks
- Deployment of emergency medical teams
- Transportation of blood units and first responders
The exercises will involve a broad range of participants including:
- Civil Defence wardens
- Home Guards
- NCC, NSS, NYKS volunteers
- Bharat Scouts and Guides
- Local administration officials
- School and college students
Areas Already Covered in Pre-Drill Activities
Ahead of today’s main drill, mock exercises were conducted this week in:
- Kashmir Region: Anantnag, Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Srinagar, Uri (Baramulla), Awantipora (Pulwama)
- Jammu Region: Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, Doda, Akhnoor, Nowshera, Sunderbani
Importance of the Exercise
Officials stress that these drills are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the region’s disaster response systems and for identifying any operational gaps. They also aim to build resilience among the public and foster a culture of safety and preparedness.
“We kindly request all members of the public to remain calm and not be alarmed upon hearing the sirens,” officials stated. “Your cooperation is vital to the success of this safety initiative.”
The Civil Defence Directorate expressed gratitude to citizens for their continued support and reiterated its commitment to strengthening safety infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
