Dhubri Conducts “Operation Abhyaas” Mock Drill to Boost Preparedness

Dhubri district in Assam carried out a significant mock drill, “Operation Abhyaas,” aimed at strengthening its air raid preparedness in response to rising regional tensions. The drill, held at 4:00 PM, simulated an air raid scenario near the Indo-Bangladesh border, testing the district’s emergency response system and inter-agency coordination. The exercise underscores the region’s commitment to ensuring safety and swift action during potential crises.

This exercise was conducted in alignment with nationwide directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, which has encouraged states to assess and enhance their disaster management and emergency preparedness systems. The operation involved multiple agencies, including the police, fire services, medical teams, and civil defence personnel. Their role was to simulate coordinated responses to an air raid, focusing on evacuations, medical assistance, and infrastructure protection.

Dhubri’s strategic location along the sensitive Indo-Bangladesh border makes it particularly vulnerable to any security-related issues, which further elevates the importance of such mock drills. The district authorities have consistently worked to maintain readiness in the face of potential threats, including those of cross-border conflicts. This drill is part of their ongoing efforts to ensure that all agencies involved are prepared for the worst-case scenarios.

The mock drill scenario involved a simulated air raid that required immediate evacuation of citizens and providing rapid medical assistance to those “injured” during the exercise. Volunteers, dressed as injured civilians, were treated by medical teams, and fire services simulated responses to potential explosions or fires caused by the raid. The police coordinated the security operations while ensuring that key infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools, was protected and evacuated efficiently.

Assam Chief Minister, Prof. Dr. Manik Saha, has expressed his support for such initiatives, emphasizing the importance of regular drills to boost public and governmental preparedness. The successful execution of this exercise is seen as a testament to the district’s capability in handling emergencies, ensuring that both citizens and first responders are ready to act decisively during a crisis.

As tensions continue to rise in neighboring regions, exercises like “Operation Abhyaas” provide critical training for emergency services, helping them enhance their tactical skills and ensure a smoother, more coordinated response in real situations. The district’s proactive approach is being seen as a model for other regions in Assam and across India.

Local residents were informed in advance about the drill, and they were urged not to panic during the exercise. Authorities reassured them that the drill was a necessary and routine part of the district’s preparedness strategy and posed no real threat to public safety. Educational institutions, businesses, and local residents were advised to follow the instructions of emergency response teams and stay clear of areas designated for the drill.

Dhubri district has also been preparing for any potential disaster scenarios, including natural calamities, through various preparedness exercises. By conducting comprehensive drills like “Operation Abhyaas,” the district administration aims to foster a sense of confidence in the local population while ensuring that emergency services and officials are well-equipped to handle any eventuality.

The success of “Operation Abhyaas” also highlights the importance of community cooperation in times of crisis. As the district works toward improving its infrastructure and enhancing disaster resilience, it is vital that both the government and citizens remain vigilant and prepared to respond swiftly.

As tensions along the Indo-Bangladesh border continue to evolve, Dhubri’s emphasis on preparedness and rapid response capabilities remains a key component of its security strategy. The district is committed to maintaining a well-coordinated and efficient emergency response system, which can handle various threats and ensure the safety of its people. The conduct of “Operation Abhyaas” marks another step forward in the district’s commitment to safeguarding public safety and strengthening the region’s emergency preparedness protocols.

In addition to the on-ground drills, the exercise also incorporated advanced communication protocols, testing the ability of district authorities to coordinate between various departments. The importance of maintaining real-time communication between law enforcement, medical services, and disaster response teams was emphasized, ensuring that the right resources are dispatched to the right locations promptly.

The mock drill also focused on logistics management, particularly in the safe transportation of injured individuals to medical facilities. With the nearest hospitals and trauma centers often located at considerable distances from the affected zones, planning the safest and quickest routes for medical evacuations was an essential component of the exercise. Volunteers played a crucial role, helping to simulate the challenges that could arise during a real-time emergency, further providing valuable insights into areas where improvements are needed.

Moreover, the drill also brought to light the importance of community awareness and involvement in disaster management. Local residents, who were briefed beforehand, understood their role in the simulation, assisting in maintaining order and following safety protocols. This participation of civilians is seen as an integral part of building a disaster-ready community where individuals know how to react under pressure.

The district administration also noted that the success of such exercises could encourage other districts in Assam and beyond to adopt similar preparedness drills. Given the region’s geographic and strategic significance, this mock air raid simulation was not just a routine training but a critical step in safeguarding the area from possible threats. It reflects a broader approach to national security that includes not only the military and police but also local communities working hand in hand.

Looking ahead, the district plans to implement further training programs and mock drills across different sectors, ensuring that every segment of society, from government officials to local business owners, understands the emergency protocols. As part of an ongoing series of capacity-building exercises, these initiatives aim to build a culture of readiness, resilience, and teamwork across all levels of society.

The government of Assam has also expressed plans to expand such drills to other districts and enhance their scale by involving more advanced technologies, such as drones and satellite communication, to simulate more complex emergency scenarios. The aim is to create a seamless and responsive framework that can handle any situation swiftly and efficiently.

By continuously refining emergency response strategies and engaging local communities, Dhubri is not only enhancing its own preparedness but also setting a precedent for other districts in Assam. The importance of these drills in mitigating potential crises cannot be overstated, and the district is now seen as a leader in proactive disaster management across the state.