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Key Points

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs, 'Operation Shield' conducted blackout mock drills across several Indian border states, including Jammu, Srinagar, and Doda. The drills simulated war-like scenarios, involving sirens, explosions, and fires, to test emergency response teams' readiness. These exercises also included coordination between fire brigades, ambulances, and the police, highlighting the importance of inter-departmental collaboration during crises. Officials emphasized the need for such preparedness to ensure effective response to any potential threats.

Key Points: Operation Shield Mock Drills Across Border States Simulate War Scenarios

  • Simulated war scenarios tested emergency responses in Jammu, Srinagar, and Doda
  • Fire, explosions, and blackouts were key components of the drills
  • Coordination among emergency services like fire brigade and police was tested
  • Operation Shield aims to boost regional preparedness for conflict situations
3 min read

Blackout mock drills conducted across border states under 'Operation Shield'

Simulated blackouts under 'Operation Shield' tested emergency preparedness across Indian border regions.

"As soon as the siren was heard, there was a blackout. - Ansuya Jamwal"

Srinagar, June 1

Blackout mock drills were conducted in various parts of the country under 'Operation Shield' to simulate emergency preparedness in the face of war-like situations.

In Jammu, a mock drill was carried out in the Marh area near the International Border. Between 8:00 and 8:15 PM, a simulated shelling scenario was created with fire and explosions. Sirens were sounded, and a complete blackout was implemented. The simulation involved a blast at the top of the SDM building, followed by a fire on its rooftop.

The situation escalated further with a fire breaking out outside the SDM office and a tree falling on the road due to the impact of the simulated blast, obstructing access. Emergency response teams, including the fire brigade, ambulances, and police, responded promptly. While the fire brigade worked to extinguish the blaze, SDRF teams began clearing the tree to restore road access for emergency vehicles.

The drill showcased the coordination between various emergency services under 'Operation Shield'.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Jammu, Ansuya Jamwal, said, "As soon as the siren was heard, there was a blackout. A demonstration was carried out that a building was on fire because of an air raid. A drill was carried out to extinguish the fire, the response of the fire department, and the removal of a fallen tree on the road. Now, another demonstration is that this building has injured people inside it, which will be taken to the hospital as part of the mock drill..."

In Srinagar, a similar drill was carried out at the DC office. Deputy Commissioner Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat stated, " As per the guidelines of MHA, under 'Operation Shield', civil defence mock drill has to be conducted today. We have also conducted the mock drill in Srinagar...this is part of the general protocol..."

Similar blackout and civil defence mock drills were carried out in multiple locations, including Ahmedabad in Gujarat, Chandigarh, Anantnag, Udhampur, Ramban, and at the Government Medical College in Doda.

At the Government Medical College in Doda, a civil defence drill was executed as part of the exercise.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Doda, JKAS, Anil Kumar Thakur, said, "Under 'Operation Shield', in Doda also, civil defence mock drill has been conducted. The main goal behind this is that we all need to be prepared for any bad situation...

He further added, "Under 'Operation Shield', this second exercise has been conducted in Doda...this type of mock drill is our preparedness so that we can deal with any kind of disaster situation..."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Good initiative! Given the tensions at our borders, especially with China and Pakistan, such preparedness drills are absolutely necessary. Better safe than sorry. Our forces and administration deserve appreciation for this proactive approach 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While I understand the need for such drills, I hope the administration also focuses on educating common citizens about what to do during actual emergencies. Many people in border areas don't even know basic safety protocols. Awareness campaigns should accompany these drills.
A
Arjun S.
Operation Shield is a wake-up call for all of us. The way China has been behaving at LAC and Pakistan's constant mischief, we can't afford to be complacent. Kudos to the teams conducting these drills - their coordination looks impressive! 👏
N
Neha T.
I appreciate the effort but wonder if 15 minutes is enough time for a proper drill? In real war situations, blackouts might last hours or days. Maybe they should conduct longer duration drills next time to test endurance and resource management.
V
Vikram J.
These drills make me emotional remembering the 1965 and 1971 wars when our grandparents had to face real blackouts. We're lucky to only experience simulations. Jai Hind! Let's hope we never have to face the real thing, but it's good to be prepared.
S
Sunita R.
The drill is good but what about hospitals and schools? Are they included in these preparedness plans? In border areas, we need special protocols for vulnerable groups like children and patients. Hope the next phase covers these aspects too.

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