Nawanshahr district in Punjab conducted a civil defence mock drill on Wednesday, enforcing a 15-minute district-wide blackout as part of the exercise. The drill aimed to test the preparedness of emergency services and raise public awareness about disaster response.
Mock Drill Details
The exercise, organized by the District Civil Defence Department, simulated a scenario of a major power outage. Sirens were sounded to signal the start of the blackout, during which all non-essential lights were switched off across the district. The drill covered all urban and rural areas, including government offices, commercial establishments, and residential colonies.
Participation and Response
Local authorities, including police, fire services, and medical teams, participated in the drill. Volunteers from civil defence units were deployed to guide the public and ensure smooth execution. District officials monitored the response and noted areas for improvement.
The drill also included awareness campaigns through public announcements and social media, urging citizens to cooperate and learn basic safety measures during emergencies. Schools and colleges conducted mock evacuation exercises.
Objectives and Impact
The primary objective was to evaluate the district's readiness for large-scale emergencies, such as natural disasters or infrastructure failures. Officials emphasized the importance of community participation in building resilience.
Residents responded positively, with many voluntarily turning off lights and following instructions. The drill concluded with a review meeting to discuss feedback and plan future exercises.
