Itanagar, May 7: Mock drills were conducted at several places in Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday to check the preparedness of security agencies, officials said.
The exercise was part of a nationwide civil defence mock drill 'Operation Abhyaas', simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and search and rescue operations, they said.
The drills took place in state capital Itanagar, Hayuliang (Anjaw), Bomdila (West Kameng) and the border district of Tawang, covering four key locations Khandro Drowa Zangmo District Hospital, ANM School, LD Public School and Masang Dung Rhuemey, an official statement said.
In Aalo in West Siang district, it will be conducted at the New Market area from 7-8 pm.
Though this is a mock drill, we must remain vigilant and take it seriously to ensure we are prepared for real-life emergencies. Our objective is to minimise damage to life and property by preparing for the worst with our best efforts, In-charge Deputy Commissioner of Tawang, Sangey Wangmu Mosobi, said.
The exercise reinforced interagency coordination and highlighted the community's readiness to face disasters, another official said.
The district administration of Papum Pare, near here, under the supervision of the civil defence department, conducted a large-scale civil defence mock drill. The exercise simulated an aerial strike scenario across multiple strategic locations in the district, including the DC office complex in Yupia, IOCL depot at Emchi, Pare hydro project at Jampa, and Emchi market area.
At precisely 7 PM, airstrike warning sirens were activated, prompting the public to observe blackout protocols, switching off all lights and electrical appliances, closing windows, and remaining silent and indoors. These actions were in accordance with instructions previously issued by the district administration, an official report said.
The DC office complex served as the command center for coordination and communication efforts. A full-scale evacuation and rescue operation was also enacted on-site, showcasing the district’s readiness and inter-agency coordination in the face of a simulated aerial threat.
Papum Pare deputy Commissioner Jiken Bomjen, emphasised the importance of such drills, stating, “Preparedness is the key to saving lives. The public’s cooperation and the swift action of emergency responders today reflect the strength of our community and system.”
Superintendent of police Taru Gusar urged citizens to actively engage in such preparedness activities and equip themselves with essential survival skills for emergency situations.
The mock drill witnessed enthusiastic participation from civil defence teams, local police, medical personnel, fire services, and community volunteers. The general public showed commendable discipline by following blackout and safety procedures as directed.
According to a report from Bomdila, in West Kameng district, a parallel civil Defence mock drill was conducted which was organised jointly by the district administration, Indian Army, district disaster management authority (DDMA), police, among others.
Authorities quickly evacuated the site, rescued mock victims, and ensured prompt medical aid at designated safe zones.
Addressing the participants, deputy commissioner Akriti Sagar highlighted the drill's goal of fostering public awareness and confidence in emergency responses.
“There is no need to panic in such situations. Cooperation with authorities is vital during real disasters,” she advised.
Superintendent of police Sudhansu Dhama informed the public about the activation of a 24x7 control room with dedicated helplines (1077, 948236626, and 6033920834) and briefed attendees on the responsibilities of various nodal agencies in disaster response efforts.
The drills come in the aftermath of 'Operation Sindoor' carried out by the Indian armed forces early on Wednesday.
Retaliating against the Pahalgam terror attack, the armed forces carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). PTI
