Civil defence mock drill in J&K today, Emergency response system to be tested, sirens to sound at multiple locations

Srinagar Police, SDRF hold mock drill in Dal Lake
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to witness a civil defence mock drill on Wednesday.
The directions to hold the nationwide exercises have been passed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. An official said that the preparations for conducting mock drills in J&K have been finalized and sirens will be activated at various locations in the union territory to test emergency response systems. Public is requested to remain calm and not be alarmed,” he added.
The official said that Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Tuesday reviewed the civil defence preparedness across the country through a high-level video conference with Chief Secretaries and heads of civil defence of all states and union territories.
“The aim is to assess readiness in the event of a hostile attack, with a specific focus on improving coordination and training across all levels of administration,” the official said, adding, “Over 270 ‘civil defence districts’ across India, which include sensitive locations such as military installations health institutions, schools will be covered under the drill.”
These drills, the official said, are designed to test air-raid warning systems, public alert mechanisms, and bunker management procedures.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the Directorate of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Civil Defence Kashmir has issued a public advisory notifying residents of the scheduled mock drill.
According to the advisory, the drill will begin at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, and sirens will be activated as part of the exercise.
It urged residents not to panic, and to cooperate fully with officials during the simulation. “This is a practice exercise to test our emergency response systems. Please remain calm and do not be alarmed,” reads the official notice issued by the SDRF & Civil Defence Kashmir.
“To enhance the Civil Defence preparedness for emergencies, a Civil Defence Mock Drill will take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 4:00 PM. As part of the drill, sirens will be activated at various locations in Kashmir. This is a practice exercise to test our emergency response systems. We kindly request all members of the public to remain calm and not be alarmed. Your cooperation is essential in making this safety initiative a success,” the Directorate of SDRF and Civil Defence Kashmir stated in an another public advisory.
Authorities across all states and the union territories have been instructed to ensure active public participation. Students, hospital staff, government and private sector employees, railway and metro officials, and members of the police, paramilitary, and defence forces will be part of the exercise.
The MHA has said that the civil defence framework is an important component of national preparedness, especially given “new and complex threats.”
It stated that such drills improve the passive defence strategy and help safeguard civilian lives and infrastructure.
Officials have also been directed to ensure communication systems are tested, bunkers are cleaned, made accessible and designated personnel are familiar with evacuation procedures.
The government said that the civil defence drill is part of a broader initiative to improve grassroots-level readiness and empower local communities to respond effectively to emergencies.
Meanwhile, Srinagar Police, in collaboration with the Tourist Police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), conducted a mock drill in Dal Lake on Tuesday to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
Simulating rescue operations for boat capsizing and drowning incidents, the exercise was held to improve real-time response to such emergencies.
The drill followed recent boat accidents due to high velocity winds, resulting in death of a youth.
Senior officers, including SSP Enforcement and SSP Srinagar, monitored the exercise