India Holds Nationwide Mock Drill: Sirens Wailed, Lights Went Out

Mock Drill in India: A Nationwide Test of Preparedness

Across India, sirens wailed and lights flickered off Wednesday evening as part of a nationwide civil mock drill. The exercise, dubbed ‘Operation Abhyaas,’ aimed to test the country’s readiness in the event of a crisis, particularly in the wake of recent military operations along the border.

Haryana Extends Drill to All Districts

The drill, originally planned for 11 districts in Haryana, was expanded to all 22 districts. A 10-minute blackout, from 7:50 pm to 8:00 pm, was implemented as part of the exercise. Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi urged the public to switch off all lights during this period.

Following Military Operations

The decision to expand the mock drill came after ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a military operation conducted by India targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This recent escalation along the border highlighted the need for heightened preparedness.

A Coordinated Response

The mock drill involved a range of agencies, including home guards, civil defence volunteers, the police, National Cadet Corps (NCC) officers, and disaster management personnel. Deputy Commissioners were tasked with activating their civil defense systems and coordinating a comprehensive response.

Chief Secretary Rastogi emphasized the drill’s purpose: preparation and precaution, not panic. He instructed deputy commissioners to hold press conferences in their districts, assuring the public that this was a mere preparatory exercise and there was no cause for concern.