• Source:Jagran News Network

On Friday, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, as soon as the siren sounds at exactly 6 pm, the whole of Gorakhpur will witness a planned 'darkness exercise'. A crash blackout and air raid mock drill is being organised in the city, with the objective of testing the preparedness of the administrative machinery and the general public for any emergency. DM Deepak Meena stated that the mock drill is being conducted on the instructions of the Principal Secretary, Civil Defence Section, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Timing, Location And Siren Protocols

This mock drill will take place for half an hour, from 6 pm to 6:30 pm, at Mahant Digvijay Nath Park, near the Annexe Bhawan and on Naukayaan Road. During the specified time, all forms of lighting, except for essential services, will be prohibited in the Gorakhpur city area. During the mock drill, an air raid siren with a fluctuating tone will sound for two minutes, signalling danger. Once the danger has passed, a siren with a steady tone will sound for two minutes. According to the administration, this exercise is being conducted to develop alertness and the capacity for a swift response in situations such as potential air raids or major disasters.

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Advisory For Citizens: Lights Out And Emergency Preparedness

The DM clarified that this is only an exercise and there is no need to panic, but it is essential to take it very seriously. The administration has also issued a detailed advisory for citizens. People have been urged not to use inverters during the blackout, to switch off all lights in their homes, and to cover windows with thick curtains or black paper to prevent any light from escaping. Residents should have prior information about safe shelters and bunkers and plan their route to them. They have been advised to prepare a sturdy, windowless room and to keep a three-day supply of drinking water, dry food, a first-aid kit, a torch, and spare batteries.

Administrative Coordination And Safety Appeals

Meanwhile, a 'table talk exercise' meeting regarding preparations for the mock drill was held in the Collectorate auditorium, chaired by ADM (City) Anjani Kumar Singh. During the meeting, the Electricity Department, Health Department, Municipal Corporation, and Public Works Department were instructed to ensure all necessary arrangements are made in a timely manner. Officials from the respective departments assured mutual coordination to make the mock drill a success.

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The administration has appealed to citizens to avoid rumours, follow the instructions of police and disaster management personnel, and cooperate with civil defence volunteers. If any suspicious object or bomb-like material is seen, they should not touch it and should inform the police immediately. The Civil Defence Control Room phone number has been issued as 0551-2200444. The administration stated that this exercise is in the public interest and for public safety, and participation is the key to its success.


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