UT tests emergency preparedness

The UT Administration today conducted civil defence mock drills simultaneously at three locations here to assess emergency response preparedness amid increasing tensions with Pakistan.

A building-collapse mock drill was held at the ISBT-17, while fire mock drills were conducted at two locations — Piccadilly in Sector 34 and M/s Punjab Waste Plant Company Private Limited, Plot No. 92, Industrial Area, Phase 1.

The exercise at the ISBT-17 started around 4 pm with air-raid warning siren and concluded around 4.17 pm. It was presumed that a part of the bus stand building collapsed in an air strike and nearly four people got trapped under the debris. They were evacuated from the building during the drill.

The State Disaster Management Authority and the District Disaster Management Authority, along with key departments of the Administration and the Municipal Corporation, conducted these mock drills to assess and enhance preparedness in handling emergency situations.

Around 250 Apda Mitra, 510 NSS, 100 NCC, 100 Home Guards and 50 Yuva Morcha volunteers took part in the drills. These simulated high-intensity emergency scenarios and aimed at evaluating the coordination, response time and efficiency of various emergency response teams.

Key features of the exercise included evacuation procedures for people, deployment of fire tenders and ambulances, on-site triage and medical support for simulated casualties, and coordinated efforts by police, fire, medical and transport officials.

UT Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma, Home Secretary Mandip Singh Brar, Deputy

Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, SSP Kanwardeep Kaur and other senior officials from the Administration monitored the drills. They appreciated the swift and professional response of all participating departments. They also visited the Police Control Room, Sector 26, along with Raj Kumar Singh, IGP, Chandigarh.

“Preparedness is the key to saving lives during real emergencies. These drills help us test our systems and ensure Chandigarh remains resilient in the face of potential threats.

The Administration urges the public to cooperate during such exercises and remain vigilant at all times.

Near complete blackout observed in UT

Chandigarh: A near complete blackout was observed in the city as part of the emergency preparedness drill from 7.30 pm to 7.40 pm on Wednesday. Most of the motorists stopped their vehicles and turned off the headlights as air-raid warning siren was sounded at 7:30 pm. However, the siren was not loud enough and was hardly audible in Sectors 61 (bordering Mohali), 34, 16 and others. According to reports, streetlights remained on in the Chandigarh Housing Board flats in Sector 51. A few residents in Ramdarbar and Modern Housing Complex failed to switch off lights in their houses.

Exercise held in 20 schools

The UT Education Department conducted mock drills in more than 20 schools to create awareness among students and staff members about emergency preparedness. They were trained on how to respond promptly and safely during a crisis situation.

Chandigarh