In a move to strengthen emergency response systems, the Central Government has directed all states and union territories to conduct a nationwide Civil Defence Exercise across 244 designated Civil Defence Districts. The comprehensive mock drill will extend to the village level, aiming to assess the preparedness and coordination of civil defence mechanisms in the event of hostile attacks or natural disasters.
The exercise will evaluate the operational readiness of air raid warning systems, the functionality of communication links with the Indian Air Force, and the effectiveness of control rooms. It will also include the training of civilians and students in essential civil defence practices to ensure their safety during emergencies.
Additional aspects of the drill involve testing crash blackout measures, early camouflaging of critical infrastructure, and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans. The initiative is designed to boost inter-agency coordination and public awareness regarding disaster and war-time preparedness.
NCC cadets across the country are expected to participate actively in the exercise, further reinforcing the importance of community engagement in national safety strategies.
