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Key Points

Hyderabad is set to conduct a comprehensive civil defence mock drill simulating potential aerial attacks across the city. The exercise, part of the nationwide 'Operation Abhyaas', will involve activating sirens and testing emergency response protocols in four strategic locations. Twelve civil defence services will participate, coordinating with police, fire, medical, and industrial departments to ensure swift and efficient response. Officials emphasize that citizens should remain calm and follow official guidelines during the drill.

Key Points: Hyderabad Air Raid Drill Operation Abhyaas Emergency Preparedness

  • Nationwide Operation Abhyaas tests emergency response capabilities
  • Sirens to activate across Hyderabad within Outer Ring Road
  • Twelve civil defence services participating in mock drill
  • Emergency protocols demonstrate national security readiness
2 min read

'Air raid' sirens to be activated across Hyderabad

Hyderabad conducts citywide civil defence mock drill testing aerial attack response across 244 vulnerable districts nationwide

"Citizens need not panic. It's an exercise in safety. - Arvind Kumar, Special Chief Secretary"

Hyderabad, May 6

‘Air raid’ sirens will be activated in the entire Hyderabad as part of a mock drill on Wednesday under the nationwide ‘Operation Abhyaas’ to test and strengthen the country’s preparedness in the event of a possible aerial attack.

The mock drill will be conducted at four locations in the city. Sirens will blare at 4 p.m. as part of a civil defence exercise, said Telangana government officials.

Arvind Kumar, Special Chief Secretary, Disaster Management, said the drill will be conducted at four locations -- Secunderabad, Golkonda Cantonment, Kanchan Bagh and Nacharam. He said the exact location will be informed on Wednesday.

Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC) will alert civil defence services regarding the impact of an air raid in four different locations in the city.

Twelve civil defence services will largely undertake the mock drill. Sirens will be activated in the entire city within the Outer Ring Road (ORR).

Industrial sirens, police miked in junctions and other areas, patrol vehicles, fire sirens, etc, will be used. Police, fire, medical, and industrial departments will ensure all the sirens are switched on promptly in the entire city for a duration of two minutes.

Nagi Reddy, Director General, Fire Services, is Director Civil Defence for Telangana and is overall in charge in coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Disaster Management.

Hyderabad is one of 244 vulnerable districts in the country identified as part of the nationwide ‘Operation Abhyaas’.

Arvind Kumar said that sirens will play from 4 to 4.30 p.m. within the Outer Ring Road. “Citizens need not panic. It's an exercise in safety,” he posted on X.

The fire service department said that upon hearing an air raid siren, people should move away from open areas and seek shelter immediately. They should follow updates from official sources like TV, radio or government apps to get accurate information. “If you’re at home, turn off electrical appliances, gas and open flames like stoves or fireplaces. Remain in your shelter until authorities confirm that the danger has passed,” it said.

Police, fire brigade, rescue/SDRF, Medical, Revenue/local municipal authorities will reach the respective incident sites by 4.20 p.m.

Blackout measures during air raids are designed to minimise visibility to enemy aircraft and reduce the risk of bombings.

Citizens have been requested to cooperate with all government agencies involved in the mock drill.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Good initiative by the government! In today's uncertain times, we must be prepared for any eventuality. Hope they conduct awareness sessions too so common people understand what to do during actual emergencies. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
As a Hyderabadi, I appreciate the drill but concerned about panic it might create. Many elderly people live alone - will there be volunteers to guide them? Also, what about hospitals and schools? Need more clarity 🤔
V
Vikram S.
Better safe than sorry! After seeing what's happening in Ukraine and Gaza, we Indians should support such preparedness drills. Though I hope our relations with neighbors improve so we never need to use this knowledge 🙏
A
Ananya T.
The timing could be better - 4pm is when kids return from school and offices get busy. Why not conduct it early morning? Also, will food delivery and cab services be informed? Many depend on them during that time.
S
Suresh P.
Good step for national security! But government should also focus on improving our air defense systems. Drills are important, but preventing attacks is more crucial. Jai Hind! 💪
K
Kavita R.
Hope they announce it properly in local languages too. Not everyone follows English/Hindi news. Maybe use loudspeakers in colonies a day before? Safety measures should be inclusive for all citizens 👍

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