SRINAGAR: To strengthen emergency preparedness, the Civil Defence Department will conduct a Mock Drill across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, at 4:00 pm.
According to a public advisory issued by the Office of the Director, Civil Defence & SDRF, sirens will be activated at various locations across the Union Territory as part of the coordinated exercise.
The MHA has asked all states to conduct the drills due to the “new and complex threats” that have emerged amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.
“This is a practice exercise to test our emergency response systems,” the advisory stated, urging residents not to panic. “We kindly request all members of the public to remain calm and not be alarmed. Your cooperation is essential in making this safety initiative a success,” it added.
The mock drill aims to assess readiness and coordination among emergency services in the event of real-life disasters or emergencies.
Meanwhile, SDM Gurez has warned residents living downstream of the Kishanganga Dam that NHPC Limited will carry out reservoir flushing starting at 10:00 am on May 10, 2025, lasting around 48 hours. Water levels in the river may rise suddenly and significantly. People are urged to stay away from the river and take safety precautions. A siren will be sounded before the release as a warning. Public cooperation is vital for safety.
With regard to the subject cited above, the following locations are identified for conducting mock drill exercises tomorrow in district Baramulla, which included GDC Boys Baramulla, GHSS Uri , Mini Stadium Uri, HSS Boys Sopore, Govt. ITI Pattan, Town Hall Tangmarg.
What is a civil defence mock drill?
A civil defence mock drill is a preparedness exercise which seeks to identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the current civil defence preparedness during emergencies like war, missile attacks, or aerial strikes. The aim is to test the preparedness and efficiency of the current civil defence mechanisms at the state and local levels. The exercise aims to evaluate the response capabilities of various agencies, their coordination, and the public’s preparedness to handle different types of emergencies.
Objective
- Test & enhance Civil Defence preparedness across states & UTs
- Air raid warning systems testing
- Activation of hotlines and communication links with IAF
- Control room & shadow room functionality check
- Implementation of crash blackout measures
- Evacuation plan assessments
- Sirens & alerts are drill-related
Do’s for Mock Drill:
Preparation steps for citizens
Learn what different air raid sounds mean.
Locate the nearest safe zones (e.g. basements, underground parks).
Keep a ready emergency kit—torch, water, food, first aid.
Follow local updates about the drill and share info with neighbors.
Attend community sessions and practice first aid.
Show children how to respond safely during emergencies.
Install blackout curtains, switch off outdoor lights, test readiness.
Listen to authorities & wardens during the drill.
Support children, elderly, or disabled during the drill.
Use designated routes calmly and safely.
Watch how authorities camouflage installations.
Treat the drill like a real emergency
What Not to Do During the Drill:
Don’t ignore the sirens or assume they’re unimportant
Don’t panic or create unnecessary commotion
Don’t dismiss the drill’s importance for yourself or your children
Don’t assume others are responsible for your safety
Don’t interfere with camouflage activities or enter restricted areas
Don’t take photos or post about the drill on social media
Don’t block evacuation paths or collect unnecessary items
Don’t use private vehicles unless instructed (can cause congestion)
Don’t spread rumours or misinformation
Don’t bypass any safety procedures during the drill
