Operation Shield: Mock drills held across J&K to test emergency response

Operation Shield is being conducted in all states bordering Pakistan. These drills have become necessary after recent tensions between India and Pakistan, following the Operation Sindoor launched by the Indian armed forces in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in response to the Pahalgam attack.

 

In Srinagar, the drill took place at the Deputy Commissioner’s office. It began at 5 pm and involved the fire services, rescue teams, National Cadet Corps (NCC), and other civil defence and medical units.

 

The teams carried out drills about handling emergencies, rescue operations, and providing medical emergencies in a well-coordinated manner.

 

“This mock drill was conducted to check our preparedness as per government guidelines,” said Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Bilal Mohi-uddin Bhat. 

 

He said the exercise tested how quickly and effectively civil defence units could respond in different emergencies.

 

The drill included rescue from building collapses and fire incidents. Firefighters demonstrated firefighting methods, while civil defence and medical teams carried out rescue and evacuation operations.

 

“We created situations like building collapses and fire outbreaks to ensure our rescue and medical teams are ready for real-life emergencies,” Bhat said.

 

Medical teams, civil defence personnel, and rescue workers worked together in a coordinated way. The systems in place for dealing with emergencies were also tested.

 

“Our goal was to check how well our teams perform and how the rescue equipment works under pressure,” Bhat added. “We also planned a 10-minute blackout at 8:00 pm to check how prepared we are for emergencies at night.”

 

Doctors also joined the drill, taking part in rescue, transport, and treatment of injured people, to make sure emergency medical aid is available when needed.

 

“All departments worked well together and the drill went smoothly, following the standard procedures,” said the deputy commissioner.

 

He said that such drills are regularly organised under the District Disaster Management Authority to keep all teams ready and improve cooperation between different departments.

 

“We will continue holding such exercises in the future, as directed by higher authorities,” he said.

India