Mock drills to be held across Valley

The Directorate of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Civil Defence, Kashmir, on Tuesday announced that emergency mock drills would be conducted on Wednesday at multiple locations across the Valley.

Issuing a public advisory, the SDRF said the Civil Defence Mock Drill is aimed at enhancing preparedness for emergency situations. The drill is scheduled to take place at 4 pm on Wednesday.

“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,” read the official statement.

The department urged the public to stay calm and avoid panic. “Your cooperation is essential in making this safety initiative a success,” it stated.

A senior official confirmed on Tuesday that all preparations had been completed for the drills at various locations in Kashmir.

“SDRF and the civil defence department are in touch with the district authorities, where these drills will be held,” the official said. “We are hoping that this initiative will be a success.”

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday had directed several states, including those sharing borders with Pakistan — Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat — as well as the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, to conduct comprehensive mock drills on May 7. The directive is part of an initiative to bolster civil defence preparedness in the event of a “hostile attack”.

Meanwhile, mock drills were conducted in several schools across Jammu city on Tuesday to educate students on the steps they should take to protect themselves during an emergency.

Mubarak Mandi Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Jammu held a mock drill where students were seen taking cover under their desks.

J & K