Shimla will witness a full-scale emergency preparedness exercise titled “Operation Abhyas” on May 7, 2025, starting at 4:00 PM. The mock drill, organized by the district administration, will be conducted at the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises and the Sanjauli parking area. As part of this operation, a citywide blackout has been scheduled from 7:20 PM to 7:30 PM to simulate a wartime emergency scenario. The administration has stated that preparations for the exercise will begin from 10:00 AM on the same day.

Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap urged citizens to cooperate with authorities and actively participate in the drill by strictly adhering to the issued safety protocols. He added that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the successful execution of the exercise. Key officials including Additional Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Verma, Additional District Magistrate (Protocol) Jyoti Rana, Additional District Magistrate (Law & Order) Pankaj Sharma, and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Rural) Manjeet Sharma will be present to oversee the operation.

The mock drill will include the implementation of civil defense measures such as the deployment of CD wardens and volunteers. The district will undergo a detailed risk assessment with identification of vulnerable areas. Emergency response mechanisms like air raid sirens, blackout procedures, and camouflage techniques will be activated and tested. Plans for evacuation will be rehearsed and updated, while emergency services related to healthcare, food, water, and fire safety will be enhanced.

Public awareness and training will be central to this initiative. Citizens will be educated about safety protocols, including how to respond to sirens, find safe shelters, and act during blackouts. People are advised to stay calm during sirens, leave open spaces immediately, and move to the nearest safe building or bunker within 5–10 minutes. In case of a blackout, all lights must be turned off and windows, doors, or ventilators should be covered to block light from escaping. Motorists should switch off their vehicle lights and stop safely as directed.

The exercise will also involve evacuation rehearsals where people will be guided to safe locations. Citizens are encouraged to discuss evacuation plans with their families in advance and stay informed about nearby safe zones and escape routes. Awareness campaigns and training sessions will cover topics such as basic first aid, bunker safety, and emergency planning.

People are urged to pay attention to updates on TV, radio, and official government alerts during the drill. They must avoid rumors and rely solely on verified information. The importance of keeping an emergency kit ready will also be emphasized. Such a kit should include essentials like drinking water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, copies of important documents, clothes, and blankets.

The administration has called for full cooperation from residents, civil defense volunteers, and police personnel. Those associated with civil defense or home guards must be aware of their responsibilities and assist others. The public is encouraged to work together with their neighbors to ensure community-wide safety. Children should be briefed in advance to prevent panic, and support should be extended to elderly individuals and those with special needs.

Operation Abhyas is a critical initiative aimed at strengthening Shimla’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities. By simulating a high-risk scenario, the administration seeks to test existing systems, improve community readiness, and build a more resilient society in the face of potential emergencies.