Srinagar: District administrations in Baramulla and Shopian conducted comprehensive civil defence mock drills on Thursday to strengthen disaster preparedness, improve inter-agency coordination, and enhance emergency response mechanisms.
In Baramulla, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) carried out a large-scale Civil Defence Mock Drill at Showkat Ali Stadium. The exercise saw active participation from multiple agencies, including Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), NCC cadets, CRPF, CISF, Home Guards, and civil administration officials, reflecting a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to disaster management.
The drill aimed to streamline coordination among departments, ensure effective response during emergencies, and prepare teams for real-life situations while minimising risks to life and property. Key components such as rescue operations, evacuation procedures, response time, and adherence to public safety protocols were thoroughly tested.
Emergency scenarios, including simulated blackout situations, were enacted to enhance preparedness among students, staff, and the general public. Participants were trained in evacuation protocols, crisis communication, and coordinated response strategies, with emphasis on timely intervention and collective action.
The exercise recreated real-time emergency conditions, including search and rescue operations, evacuation drills, and emergency medical response, with active participation from students and staff contributing to a realistic training environment.
Meanwhile, in Shopian, the District Administration, under the aegis of DDMA, conducted a Civil Defence Air Raid Mock Drill at Government Degree College Shopian, designated as the primary site for the simulated scenario.
The operation involved coordinated participation of Civil Defence personnel, SDRF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Health Department, and trained volunteers.
Key elements of the drill included activation of early warning systems through sirens and public address mechanisms, evacuation drills, emergency first aid response, and coordinated movement of rescue teams and vehicles.
The rescue and search phase was executed through a structured multi-team mechanism. The AST party conducted sweeps for detection of potential threats, while search teams assessed the area for hazardous materials. The cordon and control team secured the site, and the instruments party undertook debris clearance and victim rescue operations.
The tagging team, assisted by medical personnel, carried out triage of victims based on severity, while lifting and stretcher teams ensured safe evacuation and transportation of the injured. A final assessment team conducted a comprehensive survey of the affected area and documented the response.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Incident Commander Lateef Ahmad (ASI SDRF), with overall coordination by DySP Tanveer Ahmad, Nodal Officer SDRF.
The District Administration said such exercises are part of routine preparedness initiatives aimed at strengthening coordinated response mechanisms and enhancing community resilience.
Among those present were Additional District Development Commissioner Shopian, Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone; Principal GDC Shopian, Prof. Tariq Hussain Mir; DySP Headquarters, Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir; DYSSO Shopian, Sunail Kumar; Tehsildar Shopian, Anjum Bashir Khan; BDOs, and other district officers.
