14 Assam Districts to Participate in Nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drill at 4 PM Today

On May 7, 2025, 14 'civil defence districts' in Assam will participate in a nationwide mock drill as mandated by the Central government to boost civil defence preparedness. These civil defence districts, unlike regular administrative districts, are designated based on strategic importance—such as the presence of a refinery, nuclear plant, or military cantonment—determined by specific needs and exigencies.

Assam's Chief Secretary Ravi Kota conducted a high-level meeting with multiple stakeholder departments and agencies to review the readiness for the drill, adhering to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ guidelines. A senior official confirmed that all necessary instructions had been issued to the 14 identified districts, ensuring the drill proceeds according to the prescribed protocols. The exercise is scheduled to commence at 4 PM and will continue until all designated actions are executed.

The Assam Police’s Home Guard and Civil Defence wing will spearhead the operation, working in close coordination with other government agencies. Inspector General of Police for Home Guard and Civil Defence, Arabinda Kalita, stated that several departments and organisations—including the fire services, health department, disaster management authority, BSNL, and the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR)—will participate. He also noted that the Indian Army has been informed and is likely to join, with drills planned in Guwahati as well.

The Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) headquarters has issued comprehensive instructions to all district centres to ensure a coordinated effort. Station in-charges have been instructed to coordinate with District Controllers, local authorities, and Civil Defence Wardens/Volunteers, ensuring smooth execution and proper documentation through a detailed action-taken report.

Key objectives of the drill include evaluating the effectiveness of air raid warning systems, establishing hotline and radio communications with the Indian Air Force, and assessing the operational readiness of both main and shadow control rooms. Furthermore, the drill aims to train civilians in emergency protocols during potential hostile attacks, including implementing blackout measures, camouflaging vital installations, testing the functionality of civil defence services, and assessing the execution of evacuation plans.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has mandated this exercise in response to “new and complex threats” arising from recent geopolitical developments, notably the deteriorating India-Pakistan relations after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. That attack resulted in 26 fatalities, mostly among tourists, and has heightened national security concerns.

To ensure widespread preparedness, the Ministry has directed that mock drills involve a broad section of the population. This includes students from schools and colleges, staff from both government and private organisations, healthcare workers, as well as employees from the railway and metro sectors. Uniformed personnel from the police, paramilitary forces, and defence establishments are also to be engaged.

The drill underscores a significant and coordinated national effort to enhance civilian and institutional readiness in the face of potential threats. It also reflects a broader strategy to instill awareness and develop operational protocols that can be activated swiftly in the event of an emergency.