Punjab to hold mock drill in 20 districts: Air raid sirens, blackout, survival training planned
PTC Web Desk: In a critical exercise aimed at enhancing national preparedness, a civil defense mock drill will take place across 244 districts in India tomorrow. Among them, 20 districts from Punjab will participate in this significant rehearsal. Following a meeting convened by the Central Government in Delhi, a comprehensive list of districts selected for this mock drill was released.
The drill will involve police forces, SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), and other rescue teams being trained in survival tactics during war situations. During the exercise, air raid sirens will be sounded to simulate warnings of potential attacks. This mock drill is particularly important considering the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, intensified by the recent attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 dead.
In Punjab, a critical aspect of the drill involves a blackout, scheduled for different times across various districts. In Amritsar, the blackout will occur at 10 pm for just 10 minutes, while in several other districts, it will happen at 7 pm. This brief yet intense blackout is part of the exercise to test areas where creating darkness during a potential attack might be more challenging. Experts believe that during night-time airstrikes, a blackout can obscure population density, making it harder for pilots to target civilian areas.
The mock drill will not be limited to blackouts but will also include rehearsals for responding to terrorist or other emergency situations. During this time, sirens will sound, and all departments will spring into action. These exercises are designed to test coordination, response times, and the ability of rescue teams to reach victims efficiently. All agencies must reach their designated locations within specified times, with subsequent drills being held as needed to ensure readiness.
While the mock drill is primarily intended for government agencies and emergency services, civilians are also urged to participate in this preparedness effort. Residents are advised to stay alert and ready to offer priority to emergency vehicles such as ambulances or fire brigades when they see them on the roads.
What is Air Raid Siren?
An air raid siren is a high-pitched, intense sound that lasts for 60 seconds. It is used to warn people of impending dangers like airstrikes or other emergencies, giving them time to move to a safe location. Mock drills serve several critical functions in ensuring national safety and provide strategic preparation before real-life threats. They check the functionality of security equipment and siren systems, besides testing the reactions of both officials and civilians during emergencies.
This year's mock drill is reminiscent of similar exercises conducted during the India-Pakistan war in 1971. Back then, state-level drills were held to prepare for potential conflicts. In a recent related exercise, a blackout drill was conducted in Ferozepur Cantonment, Punjab, with power shut off across villages. This exercise involved Punjab Police alongside military personnel.
- PTC NEWS
