What Preparations is the Odisha Govt Making for the Upcoming Civil Defence Mock Drills?
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Synopsis
In a move to enhance public safety, the Odisha government prepares for statewide civil defence mock drills aimed at educating citizens on emergency protocols during enemy attacks. Starting tomorrow, these drills will involve various agencies and focus on vital response strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Statewide civil defence mock drills to begin in 12 districts.
- Focus on inter-agency coordination and response strategies.
- Public awareness efforts will accompany the drills.
- Drills aim to educate citizens on precautions during enemy attacks.
- Collaboration with various organizations, including local volunteers.
Bhubaneswar, May 6 (NationPress) The Odisha Home Department convened a significant preparatory meeting on Tuesday for the forthcoming statewide civil defence mock drills, designed to instruct citizens on essential precautions during an enemy attack.
This meeting occurred at Lok Seva Bhawan and was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu and Director General Sudhansu Sarangi of the Odisha Fire Services department.
Senior officials from various sectors, including police and fire services, participated to develop a thorough action plan for the drills.
Topics of discussion included enhancing inter-agency collaboration, improving response times, resource allocation, and strategies for public communication during emergencies.
The mock drills will commence in 12 districts across the state starting Wednesday and will run for a week, aimed at preparing citizens for potential aerial attacks and other emergencies.
District administrations are expected to implement measures to raise public awareness regarding these drills.
“We will conduct mock drills in 12 districts of Odisha, including Angul, Khordha, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Ganjam, Dhenkanal, Puri, Koraput, and Sundargarh.
“These drills will begin on Wednesday, with initial exercises in certain urban areas. The personnel from the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) will assist in conducting drills along the coastal regions,” Sarangi stated.
He further explained that the objective of the mock drills is to alert the public using air raid warning sirens and prepare them for unexpected events, particularly in the event of enemy air strikes.
“The siren will be prolonged, lasting approximately 5 minutes,” he mentioned, emphasizing the drills' role in educating citizens about necessary precautions during an attack.
He urged residents to seek shelter in robust structures when the sirens are activated.
District administrations have been tasked with designating shelters for slum residents to relocate to during the drills.
Once the threat has passed, trained civil defence volunteers will activate another siren to signal the end of the incident, Sarangi noted.
He also highlighted that the preparedness for post-attack scenarios, such as caring for the injured and extinguishing fires, will be evaluated throughout the week-long drills.
District authorities have been instructed to mobilize NCC, NSS, Apada Mitra, local officials, and volunteer organizations, alongside Civil Defence volunteers, for participation in these week-long mock drills.
Approximately 4,000 Apada Mitras from OSDMA are expected to engage in the drills within their respective locales.
The Disaster Emergency Response Centres at both state and district levels will be activated from Wednesday.
OSDMA will maintain communication with designated shelter homes and district Emergency Response Centres.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, "The exercise is planned down to the village level. This initiative aims to evaluate and enhance the readiness of Civil Defence mechanisms across all states and union territories."
Point of View
It is my responsibility to highlight the importance of preparedness in our communities. The Odisha government's civil defence mock drills serve as a crucial reminder that vigilance and education are key to safeguarding our citizens against potential threats. We must always prioritize public safety and readiness.
NationPress
21/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the civil defence mock drills?
The civil defence mock drills aim to prepare citizens for potential enemy attacks by educating them on necessary precautions and emergency responses.
How long will the mock drills last?
The mock drills will take place over a week, beginning tomorrow, and will involve 12 districts in Odisha.
Who will participate in the drills?
Participants will include civil defence volunteers, local officials, NCC, NSS, and approximately 4,000 Apada Mitras from OSDMA.
What should citizens do when they hear the siren?
Citizens are advised to seek shelter in a concrete building when the siren is blown.
How will the drills be communicated to the public?
District administrations will implement public awareness measures regarding the drills and their significance.
