Poonam Nath

Assam to hold mock drills on May 7 at 27 locations

Digital Desk: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed that all states and union territories undertake nationwide mock drills on May 7.

According to the MHA, the drills would take place in 244 designated civil defence districts across the country, including 27 in Assam.

Out of 27 places, 23 are classified as Category II, while 4 are classified as Category III. The mock drills will assess the operational effectiveness of air-raid warning sirens and include activities such as crash-blackout procedures, early camouflage of vital infrastructure, and evacuation plan rehearsals.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the press at Lok Sewa Bhawan that the Ministry of Home Affairs had issued the order, and that the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the drill would be announced following a meeting of the Chief Secretaries and the Union Home Secretary.

During the mock exercise meeting, which was headed by the Home Secretary, authorities reviewed the preparations and discussed the need to strengthen civil defence infrastructure throughout districts.

Officials, many of whom attended via video conference from throughout the country, shared progress on establishing hotlines, control rooms, and radio contact links with the Indian Air Force.

According to an official, residents should maintain their first-aid kits, torch, candle, and cash on hand during the simulation in case digital monetary instruments fail.

The last similar practice took place in the lead-up to the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, in which the latter was defeated and Bangladesh was formed.