Ludhiana: Civil defence mock drill at Verka plant today

A civil defence mock drill to enhance disaster preparedness will be conducted on May 7 at the Verka milk plant. The exercise aims to test and strengthen the district administration’s response capabilities for emergencies.

Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain appealed to residents to remain calm and not panic during the drill. He added that emergency sirens, coordinated with defence authorities, would be sounded at 4 pm to signal the start of the exercise at the milk plant. The drill will simulate a fire safety and rescue operation in a building, evaluating the administration’s ability to ensure safe evacuation. Participants will include school students, NCC cadets, NDRF, Punjab Police, fire services, municipal corporation, Health Department and other key agencies.

Additionally, a 30-minute blackout will be enforced in designated areas from 8 pm to 8.30 pm to test emergency protocols. The DC sought public cooperation to ensure the smooth execution of the drill, emphasising its importance in bolstering the city’s disaster readiness.