What Civil Defence Mock Drills and Blackout Exercises Took Place in Gujarat?
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Synopsis
Gujarat's civil defence mock drills and blackout exercises engaged thousands, aiming to bolster national security and readiness against emergencies. The coordinated effort showcased strong public support and effective governmental collaboration.
Key Takeaways
- Extensive participation from trained civilians and civil defence personnel.
- Coordination among multiple government departments.
- Simulated various emergency scenarios to test readiness.
- Public communication was emphasized to prevent panic.
- Focus on ensuring national security through proactive measures.
Ahmedabad, May 7 (NationPress) A series of civil defence mock drills and blackout exercises were executed across 74 locations in 18 districts of Gujarat on Wednesday, guided by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The primary goal of these drills was to enhance civilian preparedness and foster inter-agency collaboration in the event of wartime crises.
This extensive exercise saw coordinated actions by district administrations and various governmental bodies. Residents throughout the state participated actively, demonstrating robust public support for national security. The drills simulated diverse crisis situations, such as air strikes, enemy raids, fire incidents, air raid alerts, and gas leakages.
Remarkably, 13,069 trained civilians and approximately 10,000 civil defence personnel engaged in these drills, which included vital locations like the Kakrapar Nuclear Plant and GIFT City. To facilitate effective communication, 24-hour hotlines and satellite phones were activated at District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs).
At precisely 4:00 PM, sirens were sounded to signify the start of coordinated simulations encompassing six crucial emergency response operations, including casualty evacuation, rescue from damaged structures, temporary hospital setup, and civilian evacuation to bunkers and demilitarized zones.
The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar oversaw the entire operation, with Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi conducting a virtual assessment.
Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Jayanti Ravi and Relief Commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey, led three specialized monitoring teams that coordinated in real-time with the districts and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. A statewide blackout drill was held from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, during which citizens were informed and educated through media outreach to prevent panic or misinformation.
The Chief Minister directed all cabinet ministers and district in-charge secretaries to support their respective district administrations and ensure the smooth execution of the drills.
Ministers were also tasked with personally reviewing the preparedness of their assigned districts and overseeing the implementation of drill protocols. Public communication and coordination were highlighted as key focuses during the meeting.
The Chief Minister stressed that the drills should not incite fear or panic among citizens. He instructed in-charge ministers and secretaries to closely collaborate with local authorities to reassure the public that the exercise is a proactive safety measure and not a real emergency.
The Cabinet also deliberated on public preparedness during the blackout component of the drill.
Point of View
The civil defence mock drills in Gujarat exemplify proactive measures taken to ensure public safety and preparedness. Such initiatives reinforce the importance of community participation and governmental coordination in times of crisis, emphasizing our collective responsibility towards national security.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the objectives of the civil defence drills in Gujarat?
The primary objectives were to enhance civilian preparedness and improve inter-agency coordination during emergencies.
How many locations participated in the drills?
The drills were conducted across 74 locations in 18 districts of Gujarat.
What scenarios were simulated during the exercises?
The drills simulated various crisis situations, including air strikes, enemy raids, fire incidents, air raid alerts, and gas leakages.
Who monitored the civil defence operations?
The operations were monitored by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar, with oversight from senior officials.
What was the public response to these drills?
The public actively participated and supported the drills, reflecting a strong commitment to national security.
