Jammu: Authorities will conduct an air raid–blackout mock drill in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on April 23 to assess preparedness and response mechanisms for emergency scenarios, officials said.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma to review arrangements for the civil defence exercise.
“It was decided that the mock exercise will be conducted on April 23,” officials informed, adding that the drill aims to strengthen operational readiness and coordination among various agencies during situations such as air raids and blackout conditions.
Detailed deliberations were held to ensure effective coordination among all stakeholder departments, they said.
The deputy commissioner directed the officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan in consultation with all concerned departments. The plan will include communication protocols, inter-departmental coordination, emergency response mechanisms and public awareness strategies.
“All heads of departments were asked to ensure close coordination among civil administration, police, paramilitary forces, health services, fire and emergency services, transport authorities and telecommunication agencies”, they added.
Officials noted that the drill will evaluate the district’s capability to handle emergencies, with emphasis on the timely deployment of resources and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
To prevent panic among the public, prior information about the drill will be disseminated through print and electronic media and local announcements, authorities stated.
Preparations include pre-positioning of response teams, readiness of ambulances, hospitals and fire services, and round-the-clock activation of control rooms during the exercise, they said, adding that, “Departments have also been asked to identify shelters, safe zones and vulnerable areas, and ensure readiness of communication systems and emergency equipment.”
The exercise will also help identify gaps and formulate recommendations to further strengthen emergency preparedness, officials mentioned.
The deputy commissioner reiterated that adequate precautions must be taken to avoid public panic. High-risk activities should be avoided, medical teams must remain on standby, and all activities should be conducted in a controlled and supervised manner, with the utmost priority given to public safety.
