On May 7, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs is organizing a nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drill, which will also include several major cities and towns of Jammu & Kashmir. This exercise is not only a test of administrative preparedness but also a significant opportunity to raise awareness about security and disaster management among the general public. In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, this drill has gained even more importance, as it will help strengthen the readiness of both the public and the administration.
Cities and Towns in Jammu & Kashmir Where the Mock Drill Will Be Held
According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Civil Defence Mock Drill will be conducted on May 7 in the following cities and towns of Jammu & Kashmir:
- Anantnag
- Badgam
- Baramula
- Doda
- Jammu
- Kargil
- Kathua
- Kupwara
- Leh
- Poonch
- Rajauri
- Srinagar
- Udhampur
- Samba
- Akhnoor
- Uri
- Naushera
- Sunderbani
- Awantipur
- Pulwama
In all these locations, activities such as blackout, sirens, and citizen training will be organized to assess administrative and public preparedness in emergency situations.
Purpose of the Mock Drill
The main objective of this mock drill is to prepare citizens, students, traders, and administrative personnel for any disaster, war, or terrorist attack-like emergency. Through this exercise, it will be ensured that every individual knows what to do during a crisis and how to ensure their own and others’ safety.
What Will Happen During the Mock Drill?
- Sirens and Blackout: Sirens will be sounded and blackout situations will be created in all these cities at a scheduled time so that people can experience a real emergency scenario.
- Citizen Training: General citizens, students, volunteers, and traders will be informed about what to do when sirens sound, how to stay safe during a blackout, and how to follow administrative instructions.
- Testing Emergency Services: Local administration, civil defence, home guards, police, NCC/NSS, and other agencies will jointly test their preparedness.
- Communication and Coordination: Control rooms, communication systems, and mutual coordination will also be tested to ensure quick and effective responses in any future disaster or attack.
Role of Common Citizens
Active participation of the general public is most crucial in this mock drill. School and college students, traders, shopkeepers, women, elderly, and youth-all will be included in this exercise. They will be taught how important it is to remain alert and follow administrative instructions instead of panicking during a crisis.
