Ahmedabad to witness siren trials today as state gears up for emergency alert system

Ahmedabad: The eerie sound of sirens, last heard during Operation Sindoor, will once again echo across the city today—this time as part of a system test to evaluate their effectiveness.

It is learnt that the Civil Defence Department is moving ahead with plans to install advanced sirens across all districts in Gujarat. A trial run is scheduled for today, with the sirens set to be tested at the Apna Bazar Building near Lal Darwaja. City police have issued a public advisory urging residents to remain calm, as the sirens will sound multiple times.

The upgraded system will include varied alert modes such as steady tones, pulsing signals, and pre-recorded voice announcements to address different types of emergencies—be it natural disasters, industrial mishaps, or security threats.

The Civil Defence network, previously active in just 14 districts, will now be expanded to all 34 districts of Gujarat. The move follows increased volunteer enrolment and heightened security measures after recent tensions with Pakistan.

Phase 1 of the implementation targets major urban centres by Q3 2025, with rural coverage expected by mid-2026. The plan also includes officer training, regular siren drills, and public awareness initiatives to help residents recognize and respond appropriately to alerts. DeshGujarat