Delhi conducts civil defence mock drill with sirens, blackout
Delhi on Thursday carried out a large-scale civil defence mock drill across multiple locations in the city, with air raid sirens and blackout protocols implemented from 8 pm to test emergency preparedness.
The exercise was conducted under the supervision of the Directorate of Civil Defence in coordination with the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Delhi Police, the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other agencies.
Officials said the drill aimed to assess readiness in case of a hostile attack or an emergency situation. Authorities had issued prior advisories asking people to remain calm and cooperate with officials on the ground.
The mock drill was held at 10 identified locations across the city. These included the Irrigation and Flood Control Building at the District Magistrate (East) complex, Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing, Kalka Apartments in Dwarka Sector 6, Taj Palace Hotel in the Diplomatic Enclave, Cantonment General Hospital, Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital in Malviya Nagar, The Mann School in Holambi Khurd, and sites in Karawal Nagar, Rohtash Nagar, Shastri Park and Nand Nagri.
Officials said the exercise was planned after a coordination meeting held on April 1 with key stakeholders. A preparatory tabletop exercise was also conducted at the District Magistrate’s office complex in Nand Nagri to finalise operational details.
According to authorities, the primary objective of the drill was to evaluate how effectively agencies and civilians respond during emergency situations.
It also aimed to identify gaps in coordination, communication, and execution of safety protocols.
Residents were advised in advance that the drill was only a simulation and that there was no real threat. Authorities repeatedly urged people not to panic or spread rumours during the exercise.
