Civil defence and emergency mock drills conducted across Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Civil defence mock drills were held simultaneously at three locations in UT Chandigarh. As part of the drill, air raid warning sirens were activated across the city to enforce a complete blackout voluntarily by all the residents from 7.30pm to 7.40pm. According to UT officials, in most areas, people strictly adhered to the blackout norms. However, in some areas, like near Sector 61, 24, and 34, residents contended that the siren sound was either not very clear or not heard at all. Officials said in markets, while lights were largely turned off, glow signs and emergency lights in the ATMs were on in some areas."In some areas, it was noted that streetlights were on, like near the Central State Library. Also, vehicles on some internal roads were plying with lights on," said an official. A building collapse mock drill was held at ISBT-17, Chandigarh, while fire mock drills were held at two locations, including Piccadilly Sector-34 and Punjab Waste Plant Company Pvt. Ltd., Plot No. 92, Industrial Area Ph-1, Chandigarh.The State Disaster Management Authority, along with the District Disaster Management Authority and key departments of Chandigarh Administration, including Chandigarh Police, Civil Defence, Fire Department, Engineering Department, Education Department, Health Department, MC, and other key agencies, successfully conducted these mock drills to assess and enhance preparedness in handling emergency situations. Around 250 Apda Mitra, 510 NSS, 100 NCC, 100 Homeguards, and 50 Yuva Morcha volunteers took part in these mock drills. The drills simulated high-intensity emergency scenarios and aimed at evaluating the coordination, response time, and efficiency of various emergency response teams.Key features of the mock drill included evacuation procedures for people, deployment of fire tenders and ambulances, on-site triage and medical support for simulated casualties, and coordinated efforts by police, fire, medical, and transport officials. Rajeev Verma, Chief Secretary UT Chandigarh, Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary, Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner, Kanwardeep Kaur, SSP, and other senior officials from Chandigarh Administration monitored the drill and appreciated the swift and professional response of all participating departments. They also visited the Police Control Room, Sector-26 Chandigarh, along with Raj Kumar Singh, IGP Chandigarh. The exercise helped identify strengths and areas for improvement in existing emergency response protocols.Mock drills were also conducted in the city's schools for children's safety awareness and preparedness programmes. The UT Chandigarh Education Department conducted mock drills in more than 20 schools, including GMSSS Khuda Ali Sher, GMSSS Behlana, GMHS-II Maloya, PM SHRI GGMSSS-18, GMSSS-19, GMSSS-37, GMSSS-40, and GMSSS-45, to create awareness among students and staff members about emergency preparedness and to train them on how to respond promptly and safely during a crisis situation. Chandigarh deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said, "The compliance of the blackout drill was very good. We have got feedback from our volunteers who were posted in all sectors, and from residents' association. On the basis of this feedback, we will further improve, like we are going to buy 30 additional sirens."MSID:: 120969900 413 |