India to conduct nationwide civil defence mock drills across 275 districts

More than 275 districts will hold mock drills on Wednesday after the Union home ministry issued directions regarding this, officials said. “Mock drills will be organised in Maharashtra, including in Mumbai and coastal districts,” an official said.

“The number of districts is likely to go up as states and UTs have to decide on their own. Some states were planning to hold drills in all the districts though the direction is only for states with international borders,” added another official.

“The purpose is to create awareness among civilians on the dos and don’ts when there is an unprecedented situation and how to minimise loss of life and property,” Maharashtra Civil Defence director Prabhat Kumar said. He said nearly 10,000 volunteers will participate in the drill and based on the feedback, the police will decide on augmenting resources.

J&K SDRF conducted a drill at Dal Lake, focusing on a boat capsize scenario. Employee Arif Hussain said, “Yesterday, we received an order to do a mock drill regarding boat capsize... We will demonstrate how to use our equipment.”

UP DGP Prashant Kumar has instructed districts to conduct mock drills in coordination with the public to deal with any emergency situation. “19 districts have been identified: One in A category, two in C category and the rest are in B category. Instructions have been given that this drill should be conducted in all districts in collaboration with all our verticals.”

In New Delhi, security was tightened around Connaught Place.

In Bengal, drills will be conducted across 31 locations in 23 districts. The northeastern and southern states will also join in the exercise.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday said mock drills for effective civil defence will be held in the five cities of Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Katni on May 7.

BJP has appealed to all citizens, workers and party leaders to actively participate in the mock drill.