SRINAGAR: A large-scale Civil Defence mock drill under the banner of ‘Operation Shield’ was conducted across all districts of Kashmir on Saturday. The exercise was part of a nationwide initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs to assess ground-level preparedness and enhance coordination among emergency response agencies.
In Srinagar, the drill was held at Amar Niwas Complex in presence of Deputy Commissioner Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat. Multiple Civil Defence services participated, simulating emergency scenarios including air raid sirens and blackout protocols.
In Anantnag, the drill took place at Home Guard Lines, Khanabal, with District Magistrate Syeed Fakhruddin Hamid overseeing the exercise. It included mock rescue operations to train both administration and residents.
In Ganderbal, a joint drill was held at Central University of Kashmir, involving SDRF, Civil Defence, and other departments. Deputy Commissioner Jatin Kishore supervised the exercise. Live rescue demonstrations were carried out using advanced equipment, and students were trained in basic disaster response techniques.
In Kulgam, simultaneous drills were conducted at multiple colleges. Various departments, including SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, and Health, took part alongside NSS and NCC cadets. Deputy Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan emphasised the role of these exercises in public education and institutional preparedness.
In Bandipora, the exercise at NM BHSS Kaloosa was led by Deputy Commissioner Manzoor Ahmad Qadri. Personnel from SDRF, Fire Services, NCC, and others participated. The drill focused on coordinated emergency response and public awareness.
In Baramulla, a mock drill was held at the Indoor Sports Stadium involving SDRF, Civil Defence, Fire Services, and Police. Additional Deputy Commissioner Syed Altaf Hussain Musvi supervised the exercise, which included evacuation, rescue, and medical aid simulations.
In Pulwama, the drill involved the Police, CRPF, SDRF, and volunteers. Scenarios tested coordinated responses from line departments, focusing on rescue, evacuation, and first aid.
Across districts, the exercise aimed to evaluate response systems, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and enhance public awareness regarding emergency protocols.
