- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Thu, 08 May 2025 04:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Following the directive from the Union Home Ministry, mock drills conducted in six districts of Bihar on Wednesday will now be expanded to the entire state. Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena announced that such drills will soon be held in other cities in a phased manner to further enhance the state's emergency preparedness.
“We will strengthen our system based on the experience gained today. A sector-wise review will be conducted, and citizens are urged to stay alert and spread awareness,” said Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena.
The Directorate General of Civil Defence has sought detailed, point-wise reports from the District Magistrates of the six participating districts. These reports will assess civil defence readiness, highlight shortcomings, and help prepare a comprehensive action plan.
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Throughout Wednesday, continuous meetings were held—from Police Headquarters to the Civil Defence Directorate—to monitor the drill's progress. Urban areas in all six districts were divided into sectors, each monitored by teams comprising district administration officials, home guards, fire brigade personnel, civil defense volunteers, and NCC cadets. A blackout was also observed in the evening as part of the simulation.
Each sector has been tasked with reporting key details: number of personnel involved, drill themes such as air strikes and bomb disposal, public response, and performance grading. These insights will be used to identify the best and weakest performing sectors.
According to officials, Bihar has approximately 12,000 trained civil defense volunteers, who are involved in citizen preparedness efforts ranging from schools to colleges. The mock drills, which were traditionally focused on natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and fires, are now being adapted to simulate wartime scenarios such as air raids.
Director General and Commissioner of Civil Defence, Paresh Saxena, stated, “Mock drills are being used to test civil preparedness based on 12 fixed parameters. These will be reviewed district-wise, and any weaknesses will be addressed accordingly to strengthen our response systems.”