Gandhinagar: The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has instructed the organization of a Civil Defence Mock Drill on May 7, 2025, across the country. In Gujarat, these mock drills will be conducted in 18 districts.

To review the preparations for the drills, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel chaired a video conference meeting this evening with all district officers. Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, ACS Home M. K. Das, and DGP Vikas Sahay were also present at the meeting. During the meeting, preparations by various departments, including GEB, Fire, Forest, PWD, Medical, Home Guard, Revenue, Collector, Police Department, and Municipal Commissioner, were also reviewed.

MoS Home Harsh Sanghavi, while giving details to the media regarding what common citizens should do in the context of the mock drill, said that in such a situation, citizens should do the following:

• When a warning is given, citizens should remain alert and understand two types of sirens: (1) Warning signal: A long siren will sound, indicating a possible air attack. (2) All-clear signal: A short and steady siren indicates that the danger has passed.

• As an immediate civil response in any emergency situation, all outdoor activities should be stopped immediately, and assistance should be given to elderly, children, and disabled citizens. In addition, the use of lifts should be avoided, and stairs should be used during evacuation.

• On May 7, 2025, there will be a blackout in different districts of the state from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM for half an hour at different times. During this time, switch off or cover all lights in homes, offices, and vehicles. Use blackout curtains or heavy cloth to prevent light leakage. Avoid using mobile phones or flashlights near windows.

• Follow official instructions given by civil defense officials through radio or advertisements, do not spread rumors or misinformation, and provide help and guidance to neighbors who are unaware of the procedures.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs also requested that all citizens understand that this mock drill is only meant to raise alertness and preparation, so there is no need to fear or panic.

Sanghavi, while giving details of the districts where this mock drill will be held, said that mock drills will take place in a total of 18 districts, including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Bharuch (Ankleshwar), Tapi (Kakrapar), Surat, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka (Okha, Vadinar), Kutch-East (Gandhidham), Kutch-West (Bhuj, Naliya), Patan, Banaskantha, Gir Somnath, and Morbi.

While giving details of the step-by-step process for the mock drill, the MoS said that:

• According to the general principles of Civil Defence, there are 12 different types of services that will actively participate in such a situation, including trained wardens/volunteers of Civil Defence.

• The Indian Air Force will send a secret message to Civil Defence through a hotline.

• Civil Defence/Aware Citizens will help citizens as first responders through siren/SMS.

• Civil Defence / Aware Citizens will inform citizens about airstrikes through SMS.

• Firefighters will help evacuate citizens from the site, and the medical team will provide treatment in the field.

• PWD will assist in removing debris and damaged buildings and clean the site.

• Forest Department staff will work to evacuate animals from affected areas.

• Home Guards will maintain law and order with the help of the police.

• Revenue officers will monitor the situation.

• The entire operation will be carried out under the supervision of the District Collector.

• The Police Department will maintain law and order during the drill.

• The general public, including students, will be trained by Civil Defence, SDRF, and SRP to raise awareness and spread sensitization.

• Village Sarpanches will also receive proper guidance.

It is important to point out that after the Chinese invasion in 1962, the Government of India, like other countries, started the Civil Defence system in India in 1963. The main objective of this system is to protect the lives and property of the people during wartime, to maintain morale on the home front, to protect the people from rumors, and to ensure the continuity of industrial production and supplies. Over time, the scope of civil defence activities has expanded.

In times of peace, during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and storms, as well as man-made (unnatural) disasters such as communal riots, major fires, and accidents, officers and employees of the Civil Defence system, along with honorary officers/volunteers, are present on-site and perform their public service duties. DeshGujarat