Shivamogga: As part of national defence preparedness and emergency response training, an air raid safety mock drill will be conducted in Shivamogga city on June 5 at 5 PM. The primary goal of this exercise is to create public awareness regarding the safety protocols to be followed during an aerial attack and to assess the readiness of various government departments.
Officials Urge Public Not to Panic
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Abhishek V and Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kariyappa have urged local residents not to panic, emphasizing that this is purely a training exercise. Speaking at a preparatory meeting held on Thursday, the officials detailed the safety measures for air raids and 'Dark Night' scenarios.
Ministry of Home Affairs Directive
The ADC stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed the conduct of national-level mock drills on civil defence, air raids, and 'Dark Night' scenarios for the year 2026. In accordance with these guidelines, the district-level mock drill has been scheduled for Friday evening at Nehru Stadium.
Objectives of the Drill
The primary objective of this exercise is to practically test the following:
- How to safely evacuate citizens to secure locations during an unexpected air raid or emergency.
- How to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured.
- How different departments can seamlessly coordinate with each other.
Participating Departments
The drill will be conducted with the combined coordination of the District Disaster Management Authority, Home Guards, Police Department, Fire and Emergency Services, Civil Defence Volunteers, NCC, CMC, Health Department, KSRTC, and other agencies.
Simulated Air Raid Warning
During the drill, a two-minute siren signalling a simulated air raid warning will be sounded. Citizens are requested not to panic upon hearing the siren. Officials reiterated that this is an artificial training process designed to build confidence among the public.
Live Demonstrations
The exercise will involve the movement of fire engines, police vehicles, and ambulances. It will feature live demonstrations of evacuating people to safer areas, conducting search and rescue operations, and administering first aid before transporting the injured to hospitals. The administration added that this is a routine preparedness exercise, and the public is welcome to watch.
Instructions to Participating Departments
ASP Kariyappa instructed officials from all participating departments and organisations to execute their assigned responsibilities meticulously. The drill aims to enhance inter-departmental coordination and ensure a swift response in case of a real emergency.
