Patna: As many as 7 cities of Bihar are conducting civil defence mock drills as part of Operation Abhyas on May 7. The exercise include simulating air raid sirens, blackouts, and evacuation plans which is being carried out in as many as six districts of the state.
The said drills are part of the nationwide exercise mandated by the Ministry of Home Affairs to assess preparedness for potential security threats, particularly in light of heightened tensions with Pakistan.
According to reports, warning sirens will be activated and power supply will be suspended for 10 minutes in Purnia, Katihar, Begusarai, Barauni, Araria, Kishanganj and capital Patna on Wednesday evening.
Earlier Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena issued instruction to all the district magistrates and Superintendent of Police after holding a key meeting with the concerned officials.
“The drill aims to raise public awareness about civil defence roles during wartime or emergencies. The blackout will be stimulated across seven cities for 10 minutes, said Meena.
Meanwhile DGP of Bihar, Vinay Kumar on Tuesday informed that the state is prepared to conduct the mock drills and assured that all the preparations for it have been made.
“Bihar is all prepared for the mock drill. We also held a meeting with all our departments. All the arrangements have been made. Some districts have been kept on standby, too…We will also explain to the public what to do and what not to do… They are also being made aware of the procedure,” he said.
The Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 for effective civil defence. The measures to be undertaken include the operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, etc, on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.
(With inputs from agencies)
