Udaipur, May 8, 2025 - The city police and administration succerssfully carried out an airstrike mock drill yesterday, May 7. Simulation of wartime emergency was scheduled across India as tensions between India and Pakistan escalate following Operation Sindoor in which India carried out strikes on nine terror camps within Pakistan and PoK on May 7. This was a retaliatory measure by India to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists suspected to be based in Pakistan. 

As part of the mock drill, sirens went off in the Bharat Petroleum gas plant premises located in Sakroda. The administration, security and emergency services sprung into action and conducted the necessary rescue manoeuvres. During another mock drill at the Shred Mill in Amberi, the fire brigade carried out a rescue operation.

The blackout was also part of the mock drill and took place in the city from 8:45 pm to 9:00 pm. Udaipur District Collector Namit Mehta supervised the going-off of the sirens in the city. Sirens were heard at 10 different locations in Udaipur. During the blackout, except for some buildings, almost the entire city remained in darkness.

More than 400 police personnel were deployed across the city to maintain law and order. Police vehicles patrolled the roads, appealing via loudspeakers for people to switch off their lights. Around 15 drones were used to monitor.

According to reports, Udaipur was classified among the least sensitive cities for this mock drill, which is why all modes of transportation - air, rail and bus - continued to operate smoothly. Daily life remained normal.

Except for emergency medical services, electricity was also turned off in almost all government offices. Udaipur City Railway Station, too, followed the blackout protocol. Train lights were switched off and RPF and GRP teams patrolled the railway station. The Bandra Superfast train departed 15 minutes late, leaving the city station at 9:05 pm instead of the scheduled time of 8:50 pm.

Collector Mehta has said such public participation is expected in future blackout exercises as well. Whenever sirens go off under the blackout protocol, the guidelines should be followed.

Source: Media Reports