Varanasi: Uttar Pradesh Civil Defence Department organised a ‘Black Out Mock Exercise’ on Friday evening in all districts of the state, in which, teams from 11th Battalion NDRF actively participated under the guidance of DIG Manoj Kumar Sharma and other relevant stakeholders, in Varanasi, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Gorakhpur and Lucknow.Objective of this exercise was to make citizens aware in case of air attack, ensure safe evacuation, promote proper utilisation of available resources and strengthen coordination among various agencies. At the scheduled time, alerts were issued through sirens (high and low tone) and citizens were asked to turn off all lights in their homes, shops and public establishments and stay in safe places. After the exercise, NDRF teams reached the areas affected and conducted search and rescue operations, using modern techniques and equipment to safely evacuate trapped people. The injured were provided immediate first aid and sent to hospitals via ambulance.Through the mock exercise, NDRF demonstrated its rapid response capability, high professional competence and commitment to civil security. Additionally, the exercise played important role in strengthening mutual coordination and trust among citizens and all relevant stakeholders.
