Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, responding to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) announcement of a nationwide civil defence mock drill slated for May 7, indicated that the state anticipates further operational guidelines following a crucial high-level meeting.
“MHA has issued an order, but we will learn about the SoPs after the meeting,” he stated, emphasizing the need for clarity on the procedural aspects.
This statement comes in the wake of a significant meeting convened today by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, which saw participation from Chief Secretaries and Civil Defence officials from various states, including those in the Northeast.
The discussions centered on strategizing and establishing protocols for the upcoming simulated multi-hazard response exercise.
The nationwide drill’s implementation gains significance amidst heightened security concerns, notably triggered by the devastating terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives.
This incident has underscored the necessity for robust and coordinated civil defence mechanisms across the nation.
Assam, along with other Northeastern states, is set to actively participate in the mock drill, which will involve the sounding of air raid sirens as part of the simulated response scenario. The exercise is designed to test and enhance the region’s preparedness for potential emergencies.
The nationwide civil defence mock drill, scheduled for tomorrow, May 7, will be conducted at 259 locations across India, categorized into three levels.
The Northeastern states, including Assam, will participate in categories II and III, reflecting varying degrees of urban density and strategic importance.
In Assam, the mock drill will encompass a wide geographical spread. Category II locations include Bongaigaon, Dibrugarh, Dhubri, Goalpara, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Tinsukia, Tezpur, Digboi, Duliajan, Guwahati (Dispur), Rangia, Namrup, Nazira, North-Lakhimpur, and Numaligarh. Category III locations, indicating areas with distinct logistical and demographic profiles, will include Darrang, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Kokrajhar.
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