Under Operation Shield, mock drill and blackout will now be held on May 31 in Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh. The central government has fixed a new date for the mock drill. Earlier, the mock drill was to be held on May 29 i.e. Thursday. However, the central government postponed it on Wednesday evening.
In this, practice will be done to avoid air strikes. Along with this, security and emergency arrangements will also be checked.
Earlier, the mock drill was done on May 7. During this, people were warned by sounding sirens to warn of air strikes.
What is the purpose of Operation Shield….
Through mock drill and blackout, the government’s aim is to look at emergency preparations in the state and increase the ability to respond in case of war or air strike.
It is to ensure that there is quick and correct help in times of crisis, there is better coordination between the common people, security forces and the administration.
During this exercise, the shortcomings will be examined according to the situation arising at the time of air or drone attack and they will be removed for the future.
Why is Haryana alert in terms of air strike?
Although Haryana is not a state bordering Pakistan, it is adjacent to Punjab. 6 districts of Punjab share borders with Pakistan. At the same time, when Pakistan fired drones and missiles on India after Operation Sindoor, it tried to target the Air Force’s Sirsa airbase.
However, it was not successful in this. Its Fateh-2 missile was shattered in the sky by the Army’s air defense system. At the same time, an alert of drone attack was also received in Ambala. Then the administration had said that the drone was seen 70 km away from Ambala. However, it could not even reach close to Ambala.
Important information related to mock drill and blackout…
Before the mock drill
Charge your phone and power bank at night.
Keep basic necessities and emergency items ready.
Keep battery and solar powered flashlights, torches, radios, glow sticks charged.
Keep any valid ID card with you. So that you can be identified.
Keep a family emergency kit ready. Which should contain water, dry food, basic medicines.
Learn about war alerts
Learn siren signals (e.g. if it is long, it means continuous alert, if it is short, it is all clear)
Keep watching radio or TV for official updates.
Identify an underground room or basement to stay safe in case of an attack.
Practice blackout with family too. Switch off the lights and gather in a safe area within 1-2 minutes.
Note down emergency numbers
Police: 112
Fire brigade: 101
Ambulance: 120
Keep these things in mind during mock drills
If you hear air raid sirens or announcements, do not panic, it will be a practice.
Follow the instructions of police, school authorities, building security or any other government officials.
Take these precautions during blackout
Stay indoors and away from windows. If you are driving, park your vehicle on the side and switch off the lights. Stay where you are and do not move around.
Switch off all indoor and outdoor lights during the alert. Disconnect the inverter or other power supply.
Switch off gas and electrical appliances when a blackout is announced or the siren is triggered.
Make sure that children, elderly and pets are supervised at all times during this time.
Do not use phones or LED devices near windows.
Use thick curtains or cover windows with cardboard or panels.
Do not spread false information on WhatsApp or social media.
What to do after a mock drill
Do not resume normal activity until instructed.
Tell children or elderly around you that this was just a practice.
