Delhi: In response to evolving security threats, the Union Home Ministry has mandated nationwide mock drills on Wednesday, May 7, across all states and Union Territories.
The drills, planned down to the village level, aim to bolster civil defence preparedness in light of what the Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards described as “new and complex threats” in the current geopolitical climate. The drills will involve civil defence wardens, volunteers, home guards, NCC, NSS, NYKS, and school and college students.
This initiative follows a high-level review at the Ministry of Home Affairs assessing the operational status of 244 district civil defence installations. The review highlighted the need for enhanced training, focusing on crucial skills such as responding to air raid sirens, managing blackouts, administering first aid, and having essential supplies on hand, including torches, candles and readily available cash. Approximately one hundred of these locations are deemed highly sensitive.
“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,” the Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards said in a letter.
The increased focus on civil defence preparedness comes in the wake of the April 22nd terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. This attack has triggered a series of high-level security meetings. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi twice in 24 hours on Tuesday, following a previous meeting the day before with the Home Secretary. These consultations follow briefings from the Defence Secretary, Air Chief Marshal, and Navy Chief on evolving threats.
Following these meetings, Prime Minister Modi granted the armed forces complete operational freedom to respond as they deem fit.
