The Delhi government will conduct a major mock drill today (Wednesday) at 55 different locations across the city to check how prepared the national capital is in case of a war-like emergency. This drill, named ‘Operation Abhyas’, will include air raid sirens, blackout procedures, evacuation exercises, setting up temporary hospitals, and other emergency situations.

The decision to hold this nationwide exercise came after the Union Home Ministry gave instructions on May 5, following rising tensions between India and Pakistan after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The Delhi mock drills will be part of this larger national-level safety check.

Sirens, blackouts and rescue missions

In Delhi, the exercise will be held from 4 pm to 7 pm, while in schools, it will take place earlier, from 9 am to noon. Important places like Terminal 3 of Delhi Airport, Khan Market, and Birla Vidya Niketan in Pushp Vihar are among the selected locations. The drills will simulate air raids and emergency situations like fires, injuries, and evacuations.

All important authorities, such as police, civil defence, fire department, and medical teams, will take part. The drills will end with sirens and blackouts during the night, said officials.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Delhi is fully ready for the drill. “Every activity is being undertaken as per the directions of the Centre,” she said.

The government has planned five locations per district, covering all 11 districts of Delhi. Officials said that about 660 schools and 40 markets will also be part of the drill.

In New Delhi, the drill will take place at Khan Market, Palika Kendra, Charak Palika Hospital, Vasant Vihar D-6 Colony, and Kendriya Vidyalaya in Delhi Cantonment.
In South Delhi, it includes the Select City Walk Mall and Saket Court Complex.
In Southeast Delhi, it includes Lajpat Nagar Market and Apollo Hospital.

Big plan to test Delhi’s emergency readiness

District magistrates will lead the exercise. They have been asked to procure powerful sirens that can be heard up to 4–5 km, compared to the current sirens that cover only 200–300 metres. A senior official said this is the first time Delhi is conducting such a large-scale war-related drill, and better sirens are needed.

“Apart from this, 500 sirens will be installed across the city to augment the effectiveness of air-raid warning systems,” read the minutes of a planning meeting led by the Divisional Commissioner.

The Delhi government has worked with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to prepare a full plan for the drill. This includes training at city, district, community, and household levels. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been shared with all government departments, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and institutions.

Officials also said the government will train students and the general public on how to stay safe during a war-like situation. “Public awareness videos like what to do during a blackout have also been finalised…,” said an official.

The Education Department and the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) have been asked to spread awareness among schools and coordinate with NCC, NSS, and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan. They will also review how the drills are performed and submit progress reports.

The Power Department has been asked to ensure blackout areas are created properly, and the Health Department will check the readiness of emergency services.

About 1,800 ‘Aapada Mitras’ (Friends in Disaster) will get advanced training through an agency chosen by NDMA.

A district-level officer said that during the drill, hourly updates must be sent from the state war room to the central control room of the Directorate General of Civil Defence.

 

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