Mock drills for civil defence is being conducted in some states of India on May 7, as directed by MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs). These mock drills is held in order to test and improve readiness in case of emergency attack. These attacks could be war, earthquake or airstrikes.
What is Civil Defence?
In civil defence, evacuation, shelter, training, communication and first aid training are given to prepare civilian and infrastructure for emergencies like air raids, natural disasters, and war.
Why are Mock Drills Being Conducted?
Mock Drills conducted to test and improve people and system for later so that when the time comes to provide best of defence in real emergency they will be ready. Everyone knows what to do. These drills reduce confusion and panic during actual attacks.
What Will Be Done in the Mock Drill on May 7?
-Air Raid Sirens will be tested
To warn people, the loud sirens will be played in possibility of situation like air attacks.
Testing air sirens are working properly is necessary also if people getting warned quickly and respond.
-Training of Civilians, Students, workers.
During the attack people should protect themselves but lack of exercise they are unable to do that so this will help, People will be taught how to protect themselves during an attack.
For example: they must know how to take shelter, avoid panic, or use emergency supplies.
-Crash Blackout Measures
Lights will be closed as soon as possible in certain areas. This will help in hiding or attackers can’t see easily and attack at night.
-Camouflaging Important Places
Important buildings (like power plants, communication towers, factories) will be covered or hidden. This is done to made them less visible to enemies or drones.
-Updating and Rehearsing Evacuation Plans
Emergency plans would be revised and practice so Officials will move people safely. This could include where people should gather, which roads to take and how to help the elderly and children.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has stated that Mock drills are essential as this helps to ensure the system and practice of people.
“Ensuring preparedness for effective civil defence during hostile attacks or wartime situations.”
Why Is This Important Now?
This Mock Drills is important now because of increasing global and regional security concerns. India has already in a conflict with neighbouring countries like China and Pakistan. Many examples of wars like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas have shown that civilians suffer the most during attacks.
If this escalates and led to the war then it could lead to military threats. The most targeted element are infrastructure and cities.
Read also: India Strengthens Naval Aviation
Being ready in advance is best and smart strategy for necessary action. By recent wars there is a lesson for India to protect its own population.
The possibility of attack increases when unidentified aircraft or drones spotted near important areas. Most people don’t know what to do during an air raid or enemy attack. These mock drills help educate and train the public to stay calm and act wisely.
Regular mock drills are part of national and state level disaster management plans.
Conclusion
Yet, there is no current war, but still being prepared saves lives. Just like we practice fire drills in schools, mock drills for civil defence will make sure the whole city knows what to do in case of a real threat.
