As part of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) nationwide initiative to strengthen civil defence preparedness, the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) carried out a mock drill at Dal Lake in Srinagar on Tuesday. The exercise simulated a boat capsize scenario, aimed at testing response protocols and showcasing rescue equipment. SDRF personnel Arif Hussain, speaking to ANI, shared that the drill was conducted following direct instructions from the MHA. “We received the order yesterday regarding a mock drill on boat capsize. We are here to demonstrate the use of our rescue equipment as per that directive,” he said.
This drill was part of a broader set of exercises being coordinated across the country. Earlier in the day, top officials including the Director Generals of Civil Defence and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) attended a crucial meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs, chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. The meeting focused on enhancing civil defence mechanisms across the nation through a series of mock drills scheduled for May 7.
Government sources revealed that all states have been instructed to conduct these drills as part of the preparedness drive. The measures include activating air raid warning sirens, training civilians and students in protective responses during hostile attacks, and ensuring early camouflaging of critical infrastructure. Additionally, blackout rehearsals, updates to evacuation plans, and their on-ground testing are also being carried out.
The drills are being held against the backdrop of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people—primarily tourists. The Indian government has vowed stern action against the perpetrators and emphasized that those responsible will face severe consequences.
In a related development, a 30-minute blackout rehearsal was conducted in Ferozepur Cantonment on Sunday. According to Gurjant Singh, SHO of Ferozepur Cantt Police Station, the drill ran from 9:00 to 9:30 pm under the supervision of the Cantonment Board and Station Commander. “All lights were switched off, and any vehicles with lights on were immediately addressed. Police remained fully alert with personnel deployed at all intersections,” he reported.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government has granted the armed forces complete operational freedom regarding the timing, targets, and nature of India’s retaliatory response. Among other measures, the government has also moved to suspend the Indus Water Treaty as a strong diplomatic signal to Pakistan, denouncing its support for cross-border terrorism.
