Thiruvananthapuram: In a proactive response to rising national security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack, Kerala today conducted a massive civil defence mock drill across all 14 districts. The exercise, part of the nationwide initiative ‘Operation Abhyaas’ by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, aimed to test and enhance emergency preparedness in the face of potential threats.
The drill kicked off at 4:00 PM with three 30-second alert sirens, followed by coordinated exercises involving blackout protocols, evacuation simulations, and first aid demonstrations. The operation concluded at 4:28 PM with an “All Clear” signal.
State Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak called for full public cooperation and stressed the need for civic awareness. Citizens were urged to switch off lights and avoid electronic use near windows, while local residents’ associations and panchayats played an active role by deploying safety wardens and spreading alerts through public address systems.
Authorities described the drill as a vital measure to assess the state’s crisis management capacity and to educate the public on basic civil defence strategies. Though Kerala has a record of peace, officials said this initiative was necessary in light of evolving threats.
Kerala’s full-scale participation in Operation Abhyaas signals its strong commitment to protecting its citizens and staying ahead of security challenges through preparedness and coordinated action.
