New Delhi:
In a major security preparedness initiative, the Delhi Police has launched a comprehensive two-day mock drill across more than ten prominent locations in the national capital to assess its readiness in tackling potential terror threats. The drill, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, is being conducted in coordination with multiple agencies and departments to simulate real-life terror scenarios and evaluate emergency response mechanisms.
Key Locations Under Scanner
The exercise spans some of the city’s busiest and most sensitive locations, including AIIMS, Lotus Temple, GTB Metro Station, Hindu College, Palika Bazar, Vegas Mall, Venkateswara College, DLF Emporio Mall, and the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Each of these venues was chosen strategically for its public significance, footfall, and security sensitivity. The drill aims to test the capacity of emergency services to respond swiftly and efficiently to a coordinated terror attack.
Full-Scale Inter-Agency Involvement
The mock drill involves the full participation of various emergency and enforcement agencies. According to officials, units from the local police, traffic police, Police Control Room (PCR), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams, the Special Cell of Delhi Police, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have been deployed. Additionally, fire services, health departments, civil defence volunteers, and Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) are also playing an integral role.
A senior Delhi Police officer said that the drill is being conducted at 12 pm on both days, involving “coordinated multi-location exercises” that mirror a range of terror-related contingencies. “Mock-drills are a standard mechanism to test the efficiency of institutional arrangements and coordination between multiple agencies under simulated crisis conditions,” he said.
Focus on Complex Operations
The exercises are not limited to surface-level simulations. At each location, realistic scenarios such as hostage rescue, device detection, evacuation procedures, and suspect neutralization are being enacted. Incident command posts have been set up at all locations, forming a command-and-control structure to streamline response operations. Special forces are executing defensive evacuation drills, checking for secondary explosive devices, and securing perimeters.
“The Special Cell, which acts as the nodal anti-terror agency of Delhi Police, is coordinating the entire exercise. This multi-agency drill was conceptualized after several rounds of inter-agency meetings and tabletop exercises,” the officer said. Inner cordons are being maintained by SWAT, the Special Cell, and CISF (especially for Metro locations), to replicate real-time response scenarios with precision and control.
Preparedness in Current Security Scenario
The exercise comes at a time of heightened alert across the country due to various national and international security concerns. Delhi, being a high-profile metropolitan city and the seat of the central government, remains on constant watch for any potential threats. “This drill is essential in today’s security landscape. It enables us to refine our response strategies and fix any gaps in coordination or execution,” another official remarked.
Appeal for Public Cooperation
The Delhi Police has issued a public advisory requesting citizens to cooperate during the drills and not to panic. “This is a scheduled preparedness activity. Please avoid believing or spreading rumours. The safety of the public remains our top priority,” the advisory said.
Public presence at several of these locations is being managed carefully, with signage and personnel informing citizens of the ongoing exercise. Officials confirmed that the operations are being monitored closely to ensure minimal disruption to daily life while maintaining the integrity of the simulation.
The two-day exercise underlines Delhi’s commitment to counter-terror readiness through a collaborative, large-scale, and realistic approach. By involving all critical stakeholders and simulating real-time terror situations, the Delhi Police aims to fortify the capital’s security infrastructure and reassure the public of its preparedness to deal with any untoward incident swiftly and effectively.
