The border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir is set to undergo a significant security and preparedness drill starting today. From April 20 to 24, 2026, the district administration will conduct a comprehensive Civil Defence Air Raid and Blackout Mock Exercise.
This exercise marks the most extensive civil defence activity in the region since Operation Sindoor, which followed the tragic Pahalgam terror attack years ago.
🛡️ Objectives of the Mock Exercise
The five-day drill is designed to test the readiness of both the administration and the local population in the event of an aerial conflict. Key components include:
- Air Raid Simulations: Testing siren systems and emergency response protocols for aerial threats.
- Blackout Drills: Practicing the synchronized turning off of lights across the district to minimize visibility from the air at night.
- Inter-Departmental Coordination: Ensuring that health, fire, police, and disaster management units can operate seamlessly under wartime conditions.
- Public Awareness: Educating citizens on “Do’s and Don’ts” during emergency sirens and blackout orders.
📋 Administrative Directives
The Deputy Commissioner of Poonch has issued strict instructions following communication from the Deputy Inspector General of Civil Defence & SDRF, Jammu:
- All line departments have been ordered to coordinate with Civil Defence authorities.
- Heads of departments must ensure effective planning and “smooth conduct” of the exercise over the five-day window.
- Strategic locations across the district have been identified for simulated casualty evacuation and emergency shelter management.
Strategic Context
Poonch’s location near the Line of Control (LoC) makes such drills a vital part of national security infrastructure. While the exercise is a “mock drill,” it serves as a critical stress test for the region’s resilience in a high-tension geopolitical landscape.
Note to Residents: Local authorities have urged the public not to panic when hearing sirens or witnessing sudden blackouts during the designated exercise hours between April 20 and April 24. These are simulated events meant for training and preparedness only.