Tricity Strengthens Emergency Readiness With Op Shield Drills

Local admins conduct mock drills, blackouts to test and enhance coordination and response capabilities of civil defence agencies in event of emergencies

- HT Correspondents

CHANDIGARH/MOHALI/PANCHKULA: Mock drills and blackout rehearsals were conducted across Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula as part of the nationwide second civil defence exercise "Operation Shield".

In Chandigarh, a scenario involving an attack by a swarm of enemy drones was simulated at the Air Force Station.

In response to the simulated threat, the station commander sought immediate assistance from the civil administration to evacuate families from the station premises to a safer location.

Upon receiving the request, the health department, fire services and civil defence units were promptly activated. The injured were triaged on site, and those with serious conditions were swiftly transported to the nearest hospital.

Remaining evacuees were relocated to the Community Centre in Sector 47, where comprehensive medical check-ups and treatment were provided.

Further, a coordinated 10-minute blackout drill from 8 pm to 8.10 pm was also observed by all residents of Kishangarh and IT Park.

Deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said the response of residents during the blackout drill reflected the city's shared commitment to collective safety and civil defence preparedness.