Will India Conduct Mock Drills in States Bordering Pakistan Today?
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Synopsis
As tensions rise, India launches extensive mock drills across border states to enhance emergency preparedness under Operation Shield. This coordinated effort aims to test readiness against potential threats, ensuring efficient response mechanisms are in place. The drills involve full-scale simulations, focusing on various emergency scenarios, making it a crucial initiative for national security.
Key Takeaways
- Mock drills are essential for testing emergency readiness.
- Operation Shield focuses on preparedness against air strikes and bomb attacks.
- Blackouts are part of the drills to enhance defense strategies.
- Coordination between civil defense and administration is critical.
- Public participation is encouraged for effective drills.
New Delhi, May 29 (NationPress) India is set to execute extensive mock drills throughout its northern and western border regions on Thursday, which include Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative falls under the Centre's emergency preparedness program, known as Operation Shield.
Notably, in Punjab, the drill will occur separately on June 3, as per an official announcement.
These synchronized drills are designed to evaluate the readiness of both the administration and the civilian population in potential emergency scenarios such as air strikes or bomb attacks.
The drills will feature full-scale simulations, assessing the operational effectiveness of control rooms, air raid warning systems, and the efficiency of civil defense services, including warden duties, firefighting, rescue operations, depot management, and evacuation strategies.
As part of the procedures, sirens will be sounded, and emergency preparedness systems will undergo rigorous examination.
The Civil Defence Department in Rajasthan has already started disseminating instructions to all districts within the state, particularly focusing on those adjacent to Pakistan.
Jodhpur District Collector Gaurav Agarwal confirmed that a mock drill will be conducted in Jodhpur on Thursday, though the exact timing remains to be confirmed.
In Gujarat, mock drills will take place across every district. The government has also announced that registrations will be available on the official portal for individuals interested in becoming civil defense volunteers.
The drills will mimic air attack situations and will occur at two to three sites in each district.
A blackout will be enforced in the evening as part of these exercises, and residents are encouraged to participate actively.
Haryana will implement a complete blackout at critical and strategic locations, with exceptions for emergency services.
This blackout is set to commence at 8 p.m. and will last until 8:15 p.m.
These developments come on the heels of the earlier national drill conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, called Operation Abhyas, which took place on May 7, coinciding with the initiation of Operation Sindoor, a military offensive launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
Operation Sindoor successfully targeted and destroyed nine significant terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists.
Officials have underscored the importance of mock drills in fortifying the nation's emergency response framework.
These simulations are instrumental in assessing coordination among various administrative and civil defense units during crisis situations.
A blackout, a critical component of these exercises, entails turning off all visible lights in a specified area for a designated period.
This wartime tactic is employed to hinder enemy aircraft from detecting and targeting vital infrastructure during air raids, thus enhancing overall defense preparedness under the cover of darkness.
Point of View
The recent mock drills highlight the importance of readiness in the face of potential threats. By conducting these exercises, the government demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the nation and ensuring that both administrative and civil defense units can respond effectively during crises.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the mock drills?
The mock drills aim to evaluate the preparedness of the administration and civilian population in case of emergencies, such as air strikes or bomb attacks.
When will the drills take place?
The drills are scheduled for Thursday, with a separate drill in Punjab on June 3.
What areas will be affected by the drills?
The drills will be conducted in states including Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Jammu and Kashmir.
How will the drills be executed?
The drills will feature full-scale simulations, assessing various emergency response mechanisms, including sirens and blackouts.
What was the earlier national drill conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs?
The earlier national drill was Operation Abhyas, which took place on May 7.
