Mock Drill: A mock drill will be conducted tomorrow in areas adjacent to Pakistan; Security drills will be conducted in six states including Rajasthan and Punjab

Amid the ongoing tension with Pakistan, a mock drill will be held on Saturday in the border states of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, and Rajasthan as well as Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. This drill was earlier scheduled to be held on Thursday under Operation Shield, but it was postponed due to administrative reasons. This is the first mock drill being conducted after the ceasefire with Pakistan came into effect on the evening of May 10.

The Directorate General of Fire Services and Home Guards has said that the mock drill will explain ways to deal with enemy aircraft, drones, and missile attacks. During this, sirens will be sounded and emergency response systems will also be tested. Civil defense officials urged the states and the Union Territory to plan and organize the mock drill from 5 pm on Saturday, involving all the local administration.

Exercise to deal with emergencies

During Operation Shield, various actions will be taken like ensuring the preparedness of the local administration regarding civil security, taking the services of volunteers like NCC, NSS, Bharat Scouts and Guides, establishing hotline between the Air Force and Civil Security Control Room regarding enemy aircraft and missile attacks, activating air raid sirens, ensuring blackout, safety of public and property. Earlier, after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, a mock drill was conducted in 244 districts on May 7 on the instructions of the Union Home Ministry.

What happens in a mock drill?

Under the exercise, arrangements are made to hide the identity of important establishments to ensure their security. This is done so that enemy aircraft cannot target important factories and establishments from a distance. In any war, the enemy army targets such establishments first so that the economy can be broken. Apart from this, in case of an attack, a plan is made for the safe evacuation of common people and it is rehearsed repeatedly.

What will people have to do during the mock drill?

During the mock drill, common citizens will have to follow the instructions of the administration. During this, when the siren sounds, one has to prepare to go to the safe places suggested by the administration. In case of a blackout, staying at home and switching off the lights of the houses is included.

What is included in the mock drill?

Attack siren - During the mock drill, a siren will sound to warn of an air attack. This means that there is going to be an attack by a rocket or missile somewhere nearby and all citizens should immediately go to the safe place identified by the government.

Training to citizens - Training will be done at many places for common citizens and school students, in which they will be taught what to do in case of an attack and how to help the people around you. During this, saving people from panic and giving first aid is also included.

Blackout - Training will be given for the situation after a sudden power cut. During the air strike, many electrical equipment will be turned off, which will help in avoiding enemy air strikes.

Hiding and getting out of a risky area - Everyone will be trained to hide, hide important items and places. So that all these are not easily visible during enemy satellite or aerial surveillance. Training will also be given to get out of the most risky areas and evacuate people.

When was the last mock drill conducted?

The last mock drill was conducted at the beginning of this month i.e. on May 7. This exercise was conducted across the country amid the tense atmosphere between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack. This happened 54 years ago in 1971. Then the war for the liberation of Bangladesh turned into a full-fledged war between India and Pakistan, which was fought on both the eastern and western borders of the country. At that time, such an exercise was conducted to minimize the loss of life and property of civilians.