Srinagar: Ahead of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2026, Srinagar Police, in coordination with several government departments and emergency response agencies, conducted a large-scale mock drill at multiple locations in the Parimpora and Maloora areas of the city to evaluate preparedness for any emergency during the annual pilgrimage.
The exercise was designed to assess the effectiveness of emergency response systems, strengthen inter-agency coordination and test communication mechanisms in the event of security or disaster-related situations along the Yatra route.
Officials said the drill focused on reviewing emergency response procedures, coordination among participating agencies and the efficiency of rescue and communication systems. The exercise involved the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Fire and Emergency Services, Ambulance Services, Health Department, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Traffic Police and the Civil Administration.
Before the exercise began, all participating personnel were briefed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Authorities also monitored response times, communication flow and coordination among various teams to assess operational readiness.
As part of preparations for the pilgrimage, officials said arrangements for food, shelter and medical assistance have been streamlined through coordinated efforts of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD), Revenue and Health Departments under the unified command of the Joint Police Control Room (Joint-PCR).
During the drill, security and emergency response teams simulated several critical situations, including vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) threats, stand-off firing, road traffic accidents, fidayeen attacks and law-and-order incidents. The objective was to evaluate how different agencies would respond to complex emergencies requiring coordinated action.
Following the exercise, a detailed debriefing session was conducted to identify operational gaps and further strengthen the existing Emergency Response Plan ahead of SANJY 2026.
Officials said the mock drill not only demonstrated the district’s emergency response capabilities but also highlighted areas where further improvements could be made. They added that such exercises play a vital role in enhancing institutional preparedness, protecting lives and ensuring a safe, secure and smooth pilgrimage for thousands of devotees expected to undertake the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
Srinagar Police reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety and strengthening disaster management response mechanisms through coordinated planning and regular preparedness exercises.
