Alert in Pak Border States: Massive Mock Drill on Thursday Evening Amid War-Like Tensions

National News: The country is once again on high alert amidst the increased tension between India and Pakistan. In the states adjacent to the border, preparations for mock drills for civil security are in full swing. On Thursday evening, extensive mock drills will be done in states along the Pakistan border like Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Haryana, and Rajasthan, while in Punjab the exercise is scheduled for June 3. The administration has appealed to the people to adopt a vigilant and collaborative attitude.

Nationwide drill has been done earlier

Earlier on May 7, mock drills and blackout exercises were done in 244 districts of the country. Its purpose was - in an emergency like war or a terrorist attack—the response of citizens and investigation of security measures. People were taught the  ways to protect themselves in conditions like bombing or air strikes. The last time such a mock drill took place was during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Safety preparations increased after Operation Sindoor

Significantly, after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, India had airspace over the 9 terrorist bases within Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and Pakistan on May 7. In this courageous campaign, the army killed about 100 terrorists. This action was named "Operation Sindoor." Since then, there has been a tense situation between India and Pakistan.

What are mock drills and blackout exercises?

Mock drill means a pre-planned practice in which it is tested how fast and accelerated the administration and common citizens react in the event of a disaster or attack. Under the blackout exercise, the power of the entire area is shut for the scheduled time so that the enemy's accuracy can be confused in the event of an attack. On May 7, a 12-minute blackout was done in 25 states of the country and 244 cities of union territories.

Classification of Civil Defense District

The Ministry of Home Affairs has classified a total of 259 districts of the country as 'Civil Defense Districts.' These districts are placed in three categories based on their safety sensitivity:

• Category 1: The most sensitive district, a total of 13 (eg, Narora Nuclear Plant located in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh)
• Category 2: 201 districts
• Category 3: 45 districts

In these districts, school students, employees, and common citizens are being trained in practical measures for disaster management, relief, and prevention.

The government of India needs to be ready for any emergency like war. It is clear from these exercises that the country is ready to face every challenge not only on the borders but also within.