Uttar Pradesh Conducts Statewide Blackout Drill with NDRF Participation
The Uttar Pradesh Civil Defence Department executed a comprehensive 'Black Out Mock Exercise' on Friday evening, spanning all districts across the state. This large-scale emergency preparedness drill saw active participation from teams of the 11th Battalion National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), operating under the expert guidance of DIG Manoj Kumar Sharma and various other relevant stakeholders.
Key Districts and Operational Focus
The exercise was prominently conducted in several major districts, including Varanasi, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Gorakhpur, and Lucknow. The primary objectives of this critical initiative were multifaceted, aiming to educate citizens about procedures during potential air attacks, ensure safe and orderly evacuation protocols, promote the efficient utilization of available resources, and significantly strengthen inter-agency coordination.
Execution of the Mock Drill
At the pre-scheduled time, official alerts were disseminated across the participating areas using a system of sirens emitting both high and low tones. Following the alert, citizens were instructed to immediately turn off all lights in their homes, commercial shops, and public establishments. They were further directed to remain in designated safe locations until the drill concluded.
Post-Exercise Search and Rescue Operations
Upon completion of the blackout phase, the highly trained NDRF teams swiftly mobilized to simulated affected zones. They conducted meticulous search and rescue operations, employing modern techniques and advanced equipment to safely locate and evacuate individuals acting as trapped casualties. The drill included a critical medical response component, where simulated injured persons were provided with immediate first aid on-site before being transported to hospitals via ambulance services.
Objectives and Demonstrated Capabilities
This extensive mock exercise served multiple vital purposes for disaster management in Uttar Pradesh:
- Public Awareness: Educating the populace on correct responses during an aerial threat.
- Resource Management: Testing and promoting the proper use of available emergency resources.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: Enhancing seamless collaboration between the Civil Defence Department, NDRF, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
Through this realistic simulation, the NDRF effectively demonstrated its rapid response capability, high degree of professional competence, and unwavering commitment to civil security. Furthermore, the exercise played an instrumental role in building and strengthening mutual coordination and fostering greater trust between the citizens and all agencies involved in disaster response.
The successful execution of this statewide drill marks a significant step in bolstering Uttar Pradesh's overall preparedness for large-scale emergencies, ensuring that both response teams and the public are better equipped to handle crisis situations.
