Aizawl; A high-level meeting convened today at the Kolasib Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Mizoram, focusing on the formulation of a robust Civil Defence Action Plan for the district. The urgency of the matter was underscored by the prevailing tensions along the India-Pakistan border.
Kolasib Deputy Commissioner Robert C Lalhmangaiha presided over the crucial discussion, highlighting the paramount importance of establishing a comprehensive Civil Defence Action Plan. He stated that this initiative holds significant priority for both the central and state governments.
Emphasising Kolasib’s strategic importance as the second most critical district in Mizoram, following Aizawl, the Deputy Commissioner confirmed that the district had already submitted its list of vital infrastructure to the Chief Secretary, acting on a recent directive.
Mr. Lalhmangaiha urged a collaborative approach, calling upon all stakeholders, including civil society organisations and various government agencies, to work in unison. He cautioned against any sense of complacency, stressing that despite the current peaceful environment in Kolasib, maintaining a state of preparedness is crucial.
“National priority is state priority, and consequently, it is also a district priority,” the DC asserted. He also made a strong appeal to the public to exercise responsibility by refraining from sharing any information related to troop movements on social media platforms, emphasising the need for unity and discipline during these sensitive times.
Adding his perspective, Kolasib Superintendent of Police David H Lalthangliana highlighted the enduring relevance of the Civil Defence Act of 1968 in the present scenario.
“Our district may appear tranquil due to its geographical location, but the future remains uncertain. Therefore, constant preparedness is of utmost importance,” the SP stated. He further called upon the civilian population to extend their full support to law enforcement agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and security within the district.
The meeting concluded with several key decisions aimed at bolstering the district’s civil defence capabilities. These include the immediate establishment of a District Control Room at the District Emergency Operation Centre, located within the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. Additionally, all police stations within the district will function as subsidiary control rooms, serving as vital information hubs and helplines for the general public.
The responsibility for drafting the comprehensive Civil Defence Action Plan has been entrusted to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. To facilitate this process, all relevant government departments have been directed to submit their necessary inputs promptly.
In a significant logistical move, the District Transport Officer (DTO), Kolasib, has been instructed to compile and submit a detailed inventory of all vehicles registered within Kolasib District. Special emphasis will be placed on identifying and distinctly cataloguing vehicles deemed suitable for deployment in emergency help and rescue operations.
To test preparedness and raise public awareness, an air raid mock drill has been scheduled for the upcoming Monday night in Kolasib and Vairengte. The exercise will commence with a siren at 8:59 PM, followed by a mandatory blackout, requiring all lights, including those powered by inverters and solar lamps, to be switched off. Vehicular movement will also be halted during the drill, which will run from 9:00 PM to 9:04 PM.
All Village Councils and local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have been requested to actively participate in disseminating information about the mock drill and ensuring strict adherence to the outlined procedures. The Police Department will be responsible for managing traffic control during the exercise.
The meeting witnessed the participation of a wide array of distinguished officials and community leaders from Kolasib District, including the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioner, representatives from the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJW) Vairengte, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Railways, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO), Mizofed, heads of various key offices in Kolasib, as well as representatives from Village Councils, NGOs, and Church leaders.
The district administration has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of all its citizens and has appealed for the complete cooperation of the public in these crucial preparedness measures.
Read More: Assam: Bongaigaon Panchayat Vote Count Underway; Literary Figure Secures Victory