Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, April 22 

Authorities in three Kashmir districts will conduct civil defence air raid mock drills this week, alongside brief nighttime blackout exercises, as part of efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness.

District administrations in Anantnag and Ganderbal will hold the drills on April 23, while Kupwara is scheduled to carry out a similar exercise on April 24, officials said.

The drills will begin at 3:30 pm, followed by a blackout exercise from 8 pm to 8:10 pm, during which residents have been advised to switch off all lights and sources of illumination.

Officials said the initiative aims to improve disaster response readiness and ensure both authorities and civilians are better prepared for emergency situations, including potential air raid scenarios.

Residents have been instructed to turn off household lighting, inverters, solar-powered lights and vehicle headlights during the blackout, and to cover windows to prevent light from being visible outside.

Authorities stressed that the exercise is precautionary and urged the public to remain calm and avoid panic, adding that cooperation was essential for its success.

Essential services, including hospitals, ambulances and law enforcement, will remain operational during the drills, officials said.

Emergency response teams, including civil defence units, medical staff and traffic police, will monitor the exercise to assess coordination and response effectiveness, they said.