Srinagar, May 07: As part of a nationwide civil defence preparedness initiative launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Tuesday conducted a mock drill at Srinagar’s Dal Lake, focusing on response measures in the event of a boat capsize.
Speaking to reporters, SDRF personnel Arif Hussain said, “We received an order yesterday to carry out a mock drill simulating a boat capsize scenario. The aim is to demonstrate how to effectively use our equipment in such emergencies, in line with MHA instructions.”
Another SDRF official added, “This mock drill is part of the MHA’s broader directive to conduct preparedness exercises across the country.”
Earlier in the day, senior officials including the Directors General of Civil Defence and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) participated in a key meeting convened by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. The session focused on planning mock drills nationwide on May 7 to boost civil defence readiness.
Sources confirmed that states were directed to execute drills that would cover multiple preparedness aspects, including activating Air Raid Warning Sirens, training civilians and students on safety measures during hostile attacks, simulating blackout scenarios, camouflaging critical infrastructure, and rehearsing updated evacuation plans.
These measures come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people—mostly tourists—were killed. The government has vowed strong retaliation, promising that those responsible will face severe consequences.
In line with increased preparedness, a 30-minute blackout drill was conducted in Ferozpur Cantonment on Sunday night. “The blackout was observed from 9:00 pm to 9:30 pm. All lights were switched off, and any vehicle with lights on was instructed to turn them off. Police deployment was ensured at all key intersections,” said Gurjant Singh, SHO of Ferozepur Cantt Police Station.
The Indian government has also announced strategic countermeasures, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty, and has granted the armed forces full operational freedom to determine the nature, targets, and timing of India’s response to the Pahalgam attack.
