MHA Urges States to Conduct Mock Drills in Response to New and Complex Threats

The Union home ministry has instructed all states to conduct mock drills on Wednesday. This is in response to new threats following the Pahalgam terror attack. The drills aim to prepare for potential hostilities, with measures including air-raid sirens and civilian training in civil defence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been holding high-level meetings with top defence officials. These discussions focus on India's response options to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people, mainly tourists, lost their lives. Modi has pledged to pursue those responsible for the attack relentlessly.

Focus on Civil Defence Preparedness

The Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards emphasised the need for constant civil defence readiness. In a letter, they highlighted that new threats have emerged in the current geopolitical climate. Therefore, maintaining optimal preparedness in states and Union territories is crucial.

The mock drills will also involve testing hotline and radio communication links with the Indian Air Force (IAF). Additionally, control rooms and shadow control rooms will be tested for functionality. These measures are part of a comprehensive plan to ensure readiness at all levels.

Comprehensive Participation Planned

The government plans to organise a civil defence exercise across 244 categorised districts on May 7. This exercise aims to assess and enhance civil defence mechanisms' readiness nationwide. It will extend down to the village level, ensuring thorough preparedness.

Active participation from district controllers, authorities, civil-defence wardens, volunteers, and home guards is expected. Organisations like the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) will also be involved. College and school students are encouraged to participate as well.

Operational Coordination Assessment

The exercise aims to evaluate the operational efficacy and coordination of various civil defence measures. It seeks to ensure that all systems function smoothly in case of an emergency. This comprehensive approach is designed to bolster overall preparedness across states and Union territories.

Measures during the drills include crash-blackout provisions and early camouflaging of vital installations. Evacuation plans will be updated and rehearsed to ensure efficiency. The drills aim to cover all aspects of civil defence comprehensively.

The home ministry's communication outlined additional steps for the drills. These include cleaning bunkers and trenches as part of preparation efforts. Such measures are crucial for ensuring safety during potential hostile attacks.

With inputs from PTI