Home Ministry orders civil defence drills tomorrow amid tension
text_fields
New Delhi: The Centre has instructed states and Union Territories to get ready for civil defence security drill tomorrow, reminiscent of last such drill India had taken out ahead of the country’s 1971 war with Pakistan.
The direction for the drill coming amid heightened tensions following Pahalgam massacre is suggestive of Centre’s resolve to take tough action against those behind the attack that claimed 26 lives.
The 1971 war led to defeating Pakistan eventually thus carving out Bangladesh.
The Ministry of Home Affairs notification to the states said that the drill would be carried out in all 244 Civil Defence districts across the country.
‘The conduct of the exercise is planned up to the village level. This exercise aims to assess and enhance the readiness of Civil Defence mechanisms across all States and Union Territories,’ it reportedly said.
The direction seeks the active participation of ‘the District Controller, various district authorities, civil defence wardens/volunteers, Home Guard (active /reservists volunteers), NCC, NSS, NYKS, college and school students’ at the drill to train civilians to respond to ‘hostile attack’.
The Home Ministry notification has detailed nine objectives, which includes assessing the effectiveness of air raid warning systems, preparing civilians to respond to aerial attacks, among others.
During the drill, hotline and radio communication with the Air Force will be operational alongside it will test preparedness of control rooms and shadow control rooms.
The training will also include planned blackout measures to guard against aerial attacks.
Residents will be asked to switch off lights for certain period to mimic a real blackout.
Alongside taking measures to camouflaging of vital plants and installations, the drill will take steps to cover key areas including airfields, refineries and rail yards from enemy’s attacks.
There will be rehearsals for shifting civilians to safer zones alongside training them in first-aid and firefighting.
