SRINAGAR: Two districts in the Kashmir Valley, Kupwara and Anantnag, are scheduled to conduct civil defence air raid and blackout mock drills. These exercises are part of broader emergency preparedness initiatives aimed at familiarizing residents and local administrations with response protocols during crisis situations.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the district administration in Kupwara has announced its mock drill for April 24. The drill will commence with a simulated air raid at 3:30 PM, followed by a blackout period from 8:00 PM to 8:10 PM. Anantnag district will hold its drill a day earlier, on April 23, with a similar daytime exercise at 3:30 PM and a blackout simulation during the same evening hours.
Officials stated that the primary objective of these drills is to enhance the readiness of both the public and administrative machinery to effectively manage emergencies, including sudden air attacks and prolonged blackout scenarios. The exercises are designed to test established procedures and identify areas for improvement in civil defence mechanisms.
Residents in the affected districts have been issued specific instructions to follow during the blackout period. They are required to switch off all artificial lights and illumination sources, including inverters, solar-powered lights, mobile flashlights, and vehicle headlights, promptly after the activation of the siren. This measure is intended to create a realistic blackout environment for the drill.
Furthermore, authorities have advised the public to take precautionary steps such as covering windows and drawing curtains to prevent any light leakage that could compromise the blackout effect. Special consideration has been requested for the comfort and safety of vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, ensuring that the drill does not cause undue distress.
The district administrations have clarified that essential and emergency services will remain operational throughout the duration of the drills. They emphasized that these exercises are purely precautionary and not indicative of any immediate threat. The public has been urged to remain calm, cooperate fully with the authorities, and participate responsibly in the simulation to ensure its effectiveness.
The initiative underscores the ongoing efforts by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to bolster disaster management and civil defence capabilities across the Union Territory, equipping communities to respond to a range of potential contingencies.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
