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MHA Orders Nationwide Civil Defence Drills on May 7 Amid Heightened Security Concerns
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states and Union Territories to conduct comprehensive civil defence mock drills on May 7.
The directive, issued through the Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards, highlights the need to bolster emergency preparedness in light of “new and complex threats” arising from the evolving geopolitical situation.
This move follows a series of high-level meetings chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliberate on India’s response to the Pahalgam attack. It also comes shortly after Pakistan’s back-to-back missile tests under “Exercise INDUS,” further intensifying regional security concerns.
Key Objectives of the Mock Drill:
- Evaluate air raid warning systems for effectiveness.
- Activate and test hotline and radio communication links with the Indian Air Force.
- Assess operational readiness of control and shadow control rooms.
- Train civilians, students, and volunteers in civil defence procedures for hostile situations.
- Implement crash blackout protocols and early camouflaging of critical infrastructure.
- Verify civil defence response including firefighting, rescue operations, and depot management.
- Assess evacuation plan efficiency at the district and village levels.
According to the MHA, the exercise is expected to see active participation from district controllers, civil defence volunteers, home guards, NCC and NSS members, NYKS participants, and students across the country.
Also Read : Pahalgam Terror Attack: Global Envoys Respond After Pakistan Raises Issue at UN Security Council
