Is Gujarat CM Reviewing Mock Drill Readiness in a High-Level Meeting Tomorrow?

Gandhinagar, May 6 (NationPress) A crucial high-level meeting is set to occur on Wednesday at the residence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar, aimed at preparing for a statewide Civil Defence mock drill.

The meeting will see participation from Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, Director General of Police Vikas Sahay, and the Director General of Civil Defence.

Senior officials and collectors from 20 districts will connect via video conferencing to finalize arrangements for the drill scheduled for May 7, 2025, following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The evening session will serve as a comprehensive review to ensure all departments are fully equipped. Various government departments, including the Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB), Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Department, Public Works Department (PWD), Health, Home Guard, Revenue, Police, and municipal corporations, are collaborating on the coordination efforts. Their preparedness and inter-departmental synergy were thoroughly evaluated during a pre-drill meeting that took place today under the leadership of the Chief Minister.

In a statement to the press, Minister Harsh Sanghavi provided citizens with an advisory to facilitate the seamless execution of the mock drill. He underscored the significance of public cooperation and outlined essential protocols for emergency response.

He detailed that citizens need to recognize two types of warning sirens: a long siren indicating a potential air raid (warning signal) and a short, steady siren that signifies the end of the threat (all-clear signal).

During an emergency, outdoor activities should cease immediately, prioritizing assistance for the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities. He also advised against using elevators and recommended using staircases for evacuation.

On May 7, 2025, from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, a coordinated blackout will occur in various districts, with staggered timings lasting 30 minutes.

“Citizens are instructed to switch off or cover all lighting in homes, offices, and vehicles using blackout curtains or thick fabric to prevent light leakage. It is also recommended that individuals refrain from using mobile phones or flashlights near windows during this period,” he stated.

Sanghavi encouraged citizens to comply with official instructions disseminated via radio or public announcements, avoid spreading rumors or misinformation, and assist neighbors who may be unaware of safety protocols.

Reiterating that the mock drill is a preparedness exercise and not an actual emergency, Sanghavi reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm.

“The drill will take place in 18 districts, including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Bharuch (Ankleshwar), Tapi (Kakrapar), Surat, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka (Okha, Vadinar), Kutch-East (Gandhidham), Kutch-West (Bhuj, Naliya), Patan, Banaskantha, Gir Somnath, and Morbi,” he announced.

Providing further clarity on the procedural framework, Sanghavi explained that under standard civil defence principles, twelve core services will be activated during the drill. This includes trained civil defence wardens and volunteers who will operate on the ground. A coded message from the Indian Air Force will trigger the drill via a secure hotline.

Civil defence teams and alert citizens will utilize sirens and SMS alerts to notify the public. Firefighters will assist with evacuations, while medical teams will provide treatment in field conditions.

Staff from the PWD will help clear debris and remove unsafe structures. Forest officials will assist in evacuating animals from affected regions. Home Guards will support the police in maintaining law and order. Revenue officers will oversee overall coordination under the supervision of district collectors.

Apart from logistical efforts, there will be public awareness and training sessions conducted by the Civil Defence, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the State Reserve Police (SRP). These will include sensitization programs for school children and training sessions for village leaders (sarpanches).

The objective is to foster grassroots awareness and preparedness among both urban and rural populations.