The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed all the states of the country to conduct civil defence mock drills to boost emergency readiness, government sources said. This move comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives on April 22.
According to Centre sources, the drills will focus on air raid warnings and civilian training. Besides these, crash blackouts, camouflaging of vital installations and evacuation plans will also be rehearsed and updated. The move gains significance as it is being seen with an aim to enhance emergency preparedness as tensions escalate with Pakistan.
Key components of these drills include:
Operationalisation of air raid warning sirens:
These tests are designed to ensure timely alerts in the face of aerial threats.
Civil defence training:
Citizens and students are being educated in basic survival tactics to safeguard themselves during attacks.
Crash blackout measures:
Urban areas are carrying out crash blackout exercises to reduce visibility for potential enemy reconnaissance.
Early camouflaging of vital plants/installations:
Critical installations such as power grids, administrative buildings, and defence assets are being visually shielded as a preventive step.
Evacuation plan drills:
Existing emergency evacuation strategies are being updated and rehearsed to enhance responsiveness.
Centre’s action underscores a renewed focus on internal security and public readiness, amid fears of further aggression. These drills fit into the broader strategy to reinforce national resilience amid escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
