The Punjab Government will carry out a civil defence mock drill across the state on April 24 at 8 pm. The exercise will include an ‘air raid’ warning and planned blackout measures. It is being organised following directions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The drill is aimed at checking the preparedness of Civil Defence teams and district administrations to respond effectively during emergency situations, including scenarios similar to an aerial attack.
A preparatory meeting for the exercise was recently held in Ferozepur under the leadership of Chief Warden Parminder Singh Thind and Home Guards Store Superintendent Parminder Singh Bath at the Civil Defence office. Civil Defence wardens, sector wardens and volunteers attended the meeting, where responsibilities were assigned to ensure smooth conduct of the drill.
District Commandant Home Guards Gurlavdeep Singh Grewal said the exercise will begin with an ‘air raid warning’ siren lasting two minutes. The siren will sound in a high-low pitch pattern. Immediately after the warning, a complete blackout will be implemented in selected areas identified by respective Deputy Commissioners.
Residents living in these areas have been urged to switch off all non-essential lights during the blackout period. Essential services such as hospitals, emergency response units and fire brigade operations will continue to function normally.
After completion of the exercise, authorities will issue an ‘all clear’ signal through a continuous high-pitch siren lasting two minutes. Along with the blackout, simulated rescue and relief operations will also be carried out to test coordination among emergency response agencies.
Officials have clarified that the mock drill is a routine preparedness exercise. Residents have been urged not to panic and to cooperate with authorities. Deputy Commissioners-cum-Controllers across districts have urged residents to actively support the initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s emergency response system.
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