As part of 'Operation Abhyaas', an air raid siren echoed across Delhi on Wednesday. A nationwide civil defence mock drill was initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) amid heightened tensions with Pakistan following the deadly terror attack, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
Notably, the exercise, the first of its kind since the 1971 India-Pakistan war, involved multiple sirens blaring at 4 pm in Delhi's 11 districts, simulating wartime scenarios like air raids, urban fires, casualty evacuations, and temporary hospital setups.
During the mock drill, PCR vans and fire engines were stationed at multiple locations while there was a heavy deployment of security personnel and civil defence volunteers.
At Khan Market, alarm sirens were played and people were asked to run as part of the evacuation drill that was carried out.
In Chandni Chowk, a mock drill was carried out in the presence of civil defence volunteers, personnel and NCC cadets.
Alarm sirens were blaring in the market area as the evacuation drill began at Chandni Chowk near Town Hall, prompting people to run towards safer places.
A second siren was sounded, signalling the start of rescue efforts. Volunteers were told to rescue the injured while people were asked to remain calm and help those who got injured.
Delhi Fire Services cranes were used to reach high-rise buildings and evacuate people who were trapped.
As per the reports, civilians, students, and volunteers, including NCC cadets and home guards, were trained in shelter protocols, first aid, and evacuation procedures, with a brief blackout planned at 7 PM to test preparedness.
Furthermore, the drills, spanning 259 locations across 33 states and union territories, aimed to enhance public safety, test air raid warning systems, and prepare for multi-hazard scenarios, particularly in sensitive border areas and critical infrastructure sites.
Citizens were advised to keep emergency kits with torches, candles, cash, and medical supplies ready.
