The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed the northern and western states along with Union territories to conduct civil defence mock drills on May 7 amid escalating tensions with Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack. The directive came on May 5 where civilians will be trained to protect themselves in case of a war.
Releasing a letter pertaining to the drill, the Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards said, “In the current geo-political scenario, new and complex threats/challenges have emerged, hence, it would be prudent that optimum civil defence preparedness in the states/UTs is maintained at all times.”
What does the mock drill entail?
The mock drill is activated for testing various objectives. Firstly, the operationalisation of air raid warning sirens will be tested that is employed to warn civilians of an aerial attack in case of a war. The first line-alert system is imperative during an aerial attack and will be testing the public’s response and preparedness.
Crash blackout measures will also be implemented as a part of the drill. All visible lights are shut down to prevent easy sighting during night-time surveillance or missile strikes.
Camouflaging exercises will also be administered where vital installations including government buildings, military outposts, power stations, communication hubs and industrial plants will be camouflaged using netting or paint to avoid easy sighting during surveillance or aerial attacks.
Workshops will be hosted at educational institutions, workplaces and community centers emphasizing on protection acts like duck and cover, finding shelter, providing first aid and protecting vital body parts.
Updating and rehearsal, activation and manning of control rooms/shadow rooms, operationalisation of hotline communication links with the Indian Air Force, rescue operations and depot management would also be tested during the drill.
Why are the drills being conducted and have they been conducted before?
The drills are being conducted to increase preparedness in case of a war. The drills are being initiated in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22 claiming the lives of 26 individuals.
The drills are being implemented for the first time since 1971. During the Indo-Pak war for the liberation of Bangladesh, India had administered siren alarms where sirens would go off following which people had to shut off their lights.
Who All Will Be Involved?
The drill will involve the Civil Defence wardens, Home Guards, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) members, and students from schools and colleges. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed 244 major districts to conduct the exercise.
