Srinagar, May 6, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) conducted a critical preparatory exercise at Dal Lake on Tuesday, gearing up for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)-mandated nationwide civil defence mock drills scheduled for May 7. The exercise, held in collaboration with Srinagar Police and Tourist Police, focused on emergency response scenarios, including boat capsizing and drowning incidents, to bolster preparedness in the region.
The mock drill, overseen by senior officials such as SSP Enforcement, SP Zone East Srinagar, and DySP SDRF, aimed to enhance inter-agency coordination and test rapid response capabilities. “This drill is part of our efforts to ensure swift and effective action during emergencies like boat capsizes or other disasters,” an SDRF official stated. The exercise also included a test of air-raid sirens near Dal Lake, reflecting heightened vigilance amid recent regional tensions.
The MHA’s directive for the May 7 drills, covering 244 districts across India, comes in response to escalating concerns following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. The nationwide initiative emphasizes civil defence preparedness, including air-raid siren activation, civilian training, blackout measures, and evacuation rehearsals to counter potential wartime threats like missile strikes or aerial attacks.
In Srinagar, the Dal Lake exercise underscores Jammu and Kashmir’s commitment to strengthening public safety and emergency response frameworks. The drills aim to improve coordination among local agencies, raise public awareness, and address vulnerabilities in civil defence systems, ensuring the region is well-equipped to handle crises.
