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The nationwide civil defence drill, Operation Abhyaas, conducted on Wednesday under the direction of the DG, Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, a body under the home ministry, witnessed an overwhelming response, extending its reach from the initially planned 244 civil defence (CD) districts/towns to nearly 350 districts across the nation. An estimated 15 lakh individuals, comprising civil administration personnel, volunteers, auxiliary forces, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state and Union Territory (UT) police forces, along with the general public, actively participated in the exercise. The primary objective of the drill was to assess and reinforce safety protocols, encompassing measures such as blackouts, the activation of air-raid sirens, and evacuation procedures, all within a simulated wartime scenario. This large-scale participation highlights the growing awareness and commitment towards national security and emergency preparedness among various stakeholders, ranging from government agencies to ordinary citizens. The drill served as a comprehensive evaluation of the existing civil defence infrastructure and response mechanisms, exposing both strengths and weaknesses that will inform future improvements and strategic planning. The success of the drill underscores the importance of proactive measures in mitigating potential threats and ensuring the safety and security of the populace in times of crisis.
A significant achievement of the civil defence drill was the successful enforcement of blackouts across numerous areas. Citizens voluntarily complied with the blackout protocols by either switching off their lights or covering their windows with opaque materials like cloth or paper in response to the activation of the air-raid sirens. Reports from Bihar indicated that motorists on National Highway 31 voluntarily halted their vehicles and extinguished their headlights to uphold the blackout. An officer confirmed that a complete blackout was observed in all areas where the drill was conducted, citing video evidence received from various locations throughout the country. This widespread adherence to blackout procedures demonstrates the public's understanding of the importance of such measures in reducing visibility and vulnerability during potential air raids or other emergencies. The enthusiastic participation in the blackout exercise signifies a collective commitment to national security and a willingness to cooperate with authorities in times of crisis. Furthermore, the voluntary nature of the participation suggests a strong sense of civic responsibility and a desire to contribute to the overall safety and well-being of the community.
While the original plan was to conduct the civil defence drill in 244 designated CD districts, the coverage was voluntarily expanded by several states, with Uttar Pradesh (UP) notably conducting the drill in all its 85 districts. This voluntary expansion underscores the proactive approach taken by state governments in prioritizing civil defence and emergency preparedness. An officer emphasized the heartening level of public enthusiasm in participating in the drill, noting that numerous members of the public expressed interest in becoming civil defence volunteers. In response, state and UT chief secretaries were instructed to recruit and train these volunteers to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of civil defence forces. This influx of volunteers represents a valuable resource that can be harnessed to strengthen emergency response capabilities and promote community resilience. The willingness of citizens to dedicate their time and effort to civil defence efforts reflects a growing sense of civic engagement and a desire to contribute to the safety and security of their communities.
The civil defence drill also served as a valuable opportunity to identify gaps and shortcomings in the existing civil defence infrastructure and procedures. For instance, in some areas, the air-raid siren system could not be activated due to various reasons, including outdated equipment and insufficient maintenance. An officer attributed this issue to the extended period since the last use of the sirens during the 1971 war, as well as the significant expansion of districts and cities since then. In response to this finding, authorities plan to map these districts and invoke emergency provisions to procure the necessary equipment and restore the functionality of the air-raid siren system. This proactive approach to addressing identified deficiencies demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving civil defence capabilities and ensuring that the necessary resources and infrastructure are in place to effectively respond to emergencies.
Furthermore, the civil defence drill highlighted the need for improved coordination among various agencies and stakeholders, particularly in sensitive locations such as airports. At Delhi airport, which hosts both civilian and military operations, the coordination among different entities could have been enhanced with greater participation from senior personnel. Given that military targets are often considered more vulnerable to aerial attacks, effective coordination and communication are crucial for ensuring the safety and security of such installations. Authorities have committed to addressing this issue as part of the follow-up actions, aiming to improve coordination and communication protocols among all stakeholders involved in airport security and emergency response. This emphasis on enhanced coordination reflects a recognition of the importance of a unified and collaborative approach to security and emergency management.
Regarding the civil defence exercise conducted on the western border, particularly in light of recent events involving Indian forces targeting terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan, sources indicated that the situation had already escalated to a real emergency scenario due to heavy shelling in certain border areas. In such circumstances, the distinction between a simulated drill and a real emergency becomes blurred, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness along the border. The increased tension and potential for conflict underscore the importance of maintaining a strong and resilient civil defence infrastructure in border areas to protect civilians and critical infrastructure. The experiences and lessons learned from the civil defence exercise will be invaluable in preparing for and responding to potential emergencies in these volatile regions. The ability to adapt and respond effectively to evolving security situations is paramount to safeguarding the lives and well-being of citizens living in border areas.
In conclusion, the nationwide civil defence drill, Operation Abhyaas, proved to be a resounding success, demonstrating the growing awareness and commitment towards national security and emergency preparedness across India. The widespread participation of government agencies, volunteers, and the general public underscored the collective responsibility in safeguarding the nation against potential threats. The drill not only tested and reinforced existing safety protocols but also identified critical gaps and shortcomings in the civil defence infrastructure, paving the way for targeted improvements and strategic enhancements. The successful enforcement of blackouts and the enthusiastic response from volunteers highlighted the importance of public cooperation and civic engagement in strengthening national security. The lessons learned from the drill will be instrumental in shaping future civil defence policies and strategies, ensuring that India remains well-prepared to address a wide range of potential emergencies and threats. The commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation will be essential in maintaining a strong and resilient civil defence system that protects the lives and well-being of all citizens.
Source: 15 lakh people across nation join hands to test and enforce safety measures