Border States on High Alert: Massive Mock Drills Set for Tomorrow

New Delhi, May 28 : In a significant move aimed at boosting emergency preparedness in sensitive border regions, state authorities in Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir will conduct large-scale, coordinated mock drills on Thursday evening. These exercises are intended to evaluate the readiness of civilian and emergency response systems in areas bordering Pakistan.
The drills come in the wake of heightened tensions following the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent four-day military engagement known as Operation Sindoor. The border areas involved were among the most affected during this period, prompting the need for a focused preparedness strategy.

According to officials, the mock drills will rigorously test the functionality and coordination of key emergency infrastructure. This includes control rooms, air raid siren systems, civil defence units, and evacuation protocols. Participating personnel will include members of fire services, rescue teams, and depot managers. These civil defence forces will engage in simulated scenarios designed to emulate real-time emergencies such as aerial attacks and mass evacuations.

Local authorities have issued advisories urging residents in selected districts to stay alert and cooperate with officials during the mock operations.
This regional exercise follows closely on the heels of Operation Abhyas, a nationwide civil defence drill conducted on May 7 under the supervision of the Ministry of Home Affairs. That exercise marked India’s most extensive mock drill since the 1971 war with Pakistan, encompassing 250 sites across 33 states and union territories.

During Operation Abhyas, air raid sirens were activated in multiple urban and rural areas. Civilians, including students, were instructed in essential defence techniques, such as locating and securing shelter during aerial bombardments.
The rapid launch of Operation Sindoor mere hours after Abhyas further underscored the urgent need for enhanced preparedness along India's western front. Tomorrow’s drills serve as a continuation of these efforts, aiming to fortify civilian and institutional readiness in a challenging security landscape.