07-05-2025
Simulated air raid sirens, aerial attack and earthquake rescue training during mock drills in Tripura
Hours after Indian armed forces struck terrorist targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to last month's Pahalgam massacre, Tripura held mock drills along with other states and Union Territories on Wednesday, as ordered by the Centre as a measure to check preparedness for any emergency.
The mock drills were conducted across all eight districts, with the largest being held at Umakanta Academy grounds in Agartala.
The mock drills carried out by disaster management forces, Apada Mitra, civil defence volunteers, personnel from other agencies and medical officers involved an earthquake rescue drill, to be followed by air crash and blackout drills later in the evening.
The first siren for the earthquake disaster rescue drill was sounded at 4 pm with affected areas simulated at IGM Chowmuhani, Fire Brigade Chowmuhani, and the GBP Hospital Bazar area. The air raid siren was sounded at 5.30 pm and an air raid and sounds of enemy aircraft firing and bombing were simulated, and volunteers were trained to take shelter during aerial attacks.
A comprehensive operation of medical, paramedic, civil defence and other volunteers was conducted after the air raid.
Speaking to reporters, Vishal Kumar, District Magistrate, West Tripura, said, 'This is similar to a drill that was done at the airport six months back. We had prepared for major disasters like earthquakes in drills in the past. But this time, we will also be experiencing air crash measures, ie, a blackout, when all lights will be shut down for about 10 minutes.'
'We are also preparing for any form of serial aggression we might see in the future. The state is surrounded by a foreign country all along. That's why there is some sensitivity there, it has been there all along. That's why we need our people and all agencies to be aware and be ready for any emergencies to be able to respond to any emergency or crisis,' he added.
