In a proactive move to bolster security ahead of Republic Day celebrations, the Chandigarh Police on Tuesday executed a comprehensive mock drill simulating a bomb threat at the bustling Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Sector 43. The exercise was designed to rigorously test the preparedness, coordination, and response time of the city's various emergency services.
Large-Scale Simulation Tests Emergency Protocols
The high-intensity drill was carried out under the directions of SP (Operations) Geetanjali Khandelwal and the direct supervision of DSP (Operations) Vikas Sheokand. Police authorities stated that the mock exercise was organized with a view to the prevailing security environment in Chandigarh and in anticipation of future national events requiring heightened vigilance.
As part of the simulation, the entire ISBT in Sector 43 was swiftly cordoned off and evacuated by commandos from the Chandigarh Police Operations Cell. This was followed by a meticulous joint search operation conducted by the Operations Cell's HIT teams, the Bomb Detection Squad, and the trusted Dog Squad. Their efforts led to the successful tracing of a strategically placed dummy bomb within the bus terminus premises.
Multi-Agency Response and Coordination
Upon detection of the suspicious object, a full-scale emergency response was triggered. Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) from the Operations Cell, multiple PCR vehicles, ambulances, and other critical emergency units rushed to the simulated scene. The drill saw extensive participation from a wide array of departments, showcasing a unified command structure.
The participating agencies included:
- Teams from GMSH-16 and Police Hospital, Sector 26
- Dial-112 emergency services
- The Fire Department and Civil Defence personnel
- Mobile Forensic Team
- District Crime Cell and Crime Branch
- Local police from Sector 36 police station
After securing the area, the HIT teams, Dog Squad, and Bomb Squad conducted a thorough secondary sweep of the entire bus stand complex to ensure no other suspect items were present. The police confirmed that no additional suspicious objects were found during this operation.
Successful Neutralization and Key Objectives
The recovered dummy explosive was then carefully transported to a secure, open ground at Police Lines in Sector 26. It was moved in a sandbag-protected vehicle, accompanied by pilot and escort PCR vehicles, where it was safely "defused" as the final phase of the drill.
Senior police officials emphasized that the primary aim of such realistic exercises is to assess and enhance inter-agency coordination, response time, communication flow, and on-ground execution during crisis situations at crowded public places. A police official highlighted the importance of these drills, stating, "Such drills help ensure that all units remain alert and prepared to deal with any contingency, especially in crowded locations like bus terminals."
Following the successful completion of the mock drill, normal movement and operations at the ISBT, Sector 43, were promptly restored. The Chandigarh Police's initiative underscores its commitment to maintaining a state of constant readiness to protect citizens and vital infrastructure.
