Across India, from Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, a comprehensive civil defence drill is underway, encompassing nuclear cities and border zones, signaling a heightened state of preparedness. This nationwide exercise, mobilizing 259 locations, including 244 designated Civil Defence districts, is designed to evaluate and strengthen the country's readiness to respond to potential hostile attacks, air raids, and cross-border conflicts.
The impetus for this large-scale mobilization stems from the recent increase in tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly in light of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed states and Union Territories to conduct these mock drills to test and refine civil defence mechanisms, ensuring a coordinated response at all levels.
These drills involve a range of activities, including the activation of air raid sirens, public awareness campaigns on safety measures during attacks, simulated blackouts, camouflage techniques for critical infrastructure, and evacuation rehearsals. The goal is to prepare the civilian population mentally and physically for conflict scenarios, minimizing panic and maximizing the effectiveness of emergency response efforts.
Maharashtra, for instance, has classified zones based on strategic importance for the drills. Category 1, the most sensitive, includes Mumbai, Uran (site of the JNPT port), and Tarapur (home to a nuclear facility). Category 2 includes major cities like Pune and Nashik, while Category 3 encompasses Aurangabad and other key locations. Similarly, other states bordering Pakistan and China, such as Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and West Bengal, are also participating in these preparedness exercises.
The significance of these drills lies in their comprehensive approach to national security, extending beyond military preparedness to include civil readiness. By involving district authorities, students, volunteers, and various organizations, the exercises aim to foster a sense of collective responsibility and enhance coordination between civilian and security forces. These measures, while rooted in Cold War-era strategies, have been updated to address contemporary threats and ensure the safety and security of citizens across the nation.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan reviewed the preparations for these drills, emphasizing the importance of strengthening civil defence mechanisms in light of "new and complex threats". The drills are being conducted up to the village level, testing the operational readiness of defence mechanisms across all states and Union territories. The focus is on training civilians in emergency scenarios, ensuring public response to air raid sirens, managing blackouts, and maintaining essential supplies.
