Delhi Prepares for Air Raid Siren Test Amid Regional Tensions

The Directorate of Civil Defence under the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi is set to conduct an air raid siren test at the PWD Headquarters, ITO, this Friday at 3 PM. The exercise will last for 15 to 20 minutes, during which the public is advised to remain calm and not to panic, said the District Magistrate (Central), G. Sudhakar, in an official statement. This routine preparedness measure aims to ensure the efficiency of critical alert systems in emergencies.

Authorities have emphasized the need for adequate awareness through social and electronic media platforms to prevent confusion during the siren testing. Key officials, including the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Secretary, and Commissioner of Police, have been informed about the exercise. Coordination with the Directorate of Information & Publicity seeks to maximize public awareness.

In the wake of renewed military activities, Ambala district alerts were triggered following an early morning warning from the local Air Force station. Residents were prompted by sirens to remain indoors, and a complete blackout from 8 PM to 6 AM was ordered by the Deputy Commissioner. Similar alerts were sounded in Chandigarh following reports of a possible attack from the local Air Force station. These precautionary measures follow heightened tensions due to recent military confrontations along the India-Pakistan border.

In a recent series of events, the Indian Army successfully intercepted more than 50 Pakistani drones near the Line of Control during a counter-drone operation. This was followed by Indian airstrikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, in response to a previous terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Such cross-border episodes underline the need for rigorous civil preparedness drills like those being conducted in Delhi.

(With inputs from agencies.)