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Assam's 14 'civil defence districts' are to undergo nationwide mock drill at 4 pm today

Digital Desk: As instructed by the central government, 14 Assam "civil defence districts" will participate in the nationwide operation today, May 7, by holding a comprehensive mock drill.

A brief overview of "civil defence districts"

In contrast to administrative districts, a "civil defence district" is a geographical area that contains a cantonment, refinery, or nuclear reactor, depending on the situation.

According to a top official who spoke to PTI on Tuesday, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota convened a high-level meeting with ministries and agencies involved.

"The top secretary examined the drill's readiness according to the central government's directives. 14 districts have received instructions from us to conduct the mock drill under the guidelines," he continued.

Though he did not provide any information, the official stated that the fake drill will begin at 4 p.m. and continue until all stages are completed.

"The Assam Police's Home Guard and Civil Defence wing will lead the operations in association with various other agencies," he said further.

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has asked all states to undertake mock drills to evaluate the effectiveness of air raid warning systems, establish hotline and radio contact lines with the Indian Air Force, and test the functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms.

The drills will also include civilian training, crash blackout measures, early camouflage of critical installations, verification of civil defence reaction, and evaluation of evacuation plan execution.

Authorities have requested that students, employees, hospital staff, railway and metro officials, police, paramilitary, and defence forces participate in the exercises.