Shimla to Stage extensive war-like Mock Drill today, Residents urged to cooperate -

Shimla, May 7,

Contents

In a first-of-its-kind preparedness exercise in nearly five decades, the Shimla district administration will conduct a full-scale mock drill titled ‘Operation Abhyas’ today, May 7. While earthquake preparedness drills are familiar to residents of Himachal Pradesh, today’s exercise holds heightened relevance following reports of Indian air strikes on terrorist hideouts across the border. The simulation will focus on citizen response during enemy air or military attacks.

Mock Drill Schedule and Locations

The exercise will begin at 4 PM and will take place in and around the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex and the Sanjauli parking area. A key feature of the drill will be a complete city-wide blackout between 7:20 PM and 7:30 PM. Preparations began at 10 AM, and senior administrative officers including Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, ADC Abhishek Verma, ADM Protocol Jyoti Rana, ADM Law and Order Pankaj Sharma, and SDM Rural Manjeet Sharma will oversee the operation.

Simulating war-like emergency response

Operation Abhyas is designed to test and reinforce the city’s response mechanisms in the event of military aggression. The drill will implement civil defence protocols, risk assessments, air raid warning systems, and emergency evacuation plans. Simulated actions like blackouts and camouflage measures are also part of the preparedness framework. Additionally, emergency services including medical aid, food supply, and fire response will be strengthened and tested throughout the drill.

Citizen involvement is crucial

Citizens are advised to treat this drill with utmost seriousness. During the exercise, air raid sirens may be sounded. It is important to remain calm and treat these alerts as practice signals, not real emergencies. People should move out of open areas and take shelter indoors or in designated bunkers.
The blackout from 7:20 PM to 7:30 PM is a critical aspect of the drill. Residents must ensure complete darkness by switching off all lights and covering windows, skylights, and doors to prevent any light from escaping.

What to do in Blackout?

As soon as the siren sounds, one must immediately switch off all lights. It is advised that all forms of illumination, including emergency lighting, mobile phones, televisions, and any other electronic devices, be turned off or kept in airplane mode. Windows and light sources should be covered with dark cloth or opaque materials. Everyone must stay indoors—preferably in the innermost room of the house or office. This will be considered the safest location. All windows and doors should be covered to prevent any light from escaping.
If you are in a vehicle, park it safely and turn off all its lights immediately.

Once the siren stops, one can resume normal work.

Drill Measures for Public Safety

Evacuation exercises will also be conducted where people may be asked to move to safer zones. The administration urges citizens to pre-identify safe routes and discuss evacuation plans with their families in advance. Emergency kits comprising essential supplies like drinking water, dry food, first-aid, flashlights, batteries, important documents, warm clothes, and blankets should be kept ready and accessible.

Spreading awareness, Avoiding panic

Citizens will also be educated on the utility of these kits and trained in basic civil defence techniques including first-aid, taking shelter, and coordinated evacuation. Special attention will be given to ensuring the safety of children, elderly, and differently-abled individuals during the drill. The administration also requests residents not to believe or circulate unverified information on social media and instead rely only on government announcements and local administration updates through radio, television, or verified digital platforms.

An exercise for collective safety

Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap has appealed to the people of Shimla to actively participate in the drill and follow instructions carefully. Operation Abhyas is not just a procedural formality—it is a vital exercise to prepare the city for any unforeseen threat. By cooperating and engaging sincerely, citizens can help build a safer, more resilient Shimla.

Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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