Context: Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, the central government has directed all States and Union Territories to conduct mock drills on May 7, and strengthen civil defence mechanisms across Civil Defence Districts in the event of a hostile attack.
1. Civil Defence Districts
Definition: Areas designated by the government for civil defence programme implementation.
Designation: Based on Ministry of Defence recommendations.
Total: 259 Civil Defence Districts (as of 2010).
Geographical Spread: Across all Indian States and Union Territories.
Categories:
Category I: Full implementation of civil defence programmes.
Category II & III: Partial implementation (varying levels).
Criteria for Demarcation:
Proximity to borders.
Vulnerability to attacks.
Presence of vital installations (e.g., nuclear plants, defence infrastructure).
Critical infrastructure (e.g., highways, railways, ports).
Top States with Maximum Districts:
West Bengal
Rajasthan
Assam
Punjab
Jammu & Kashmir
2. Civil Defence Mock Drills
Purpose: To ensure readiness during emergencies or hostile attacks.
Key Components:
Operationalising Air Raid Sirens and Hotline/Radio Communication Links with IAF.
Activation of Control Rooms and Shadow Control Rooms.
Civilian training (students, public) in self-protection techniques.
Activation of Civil Defence services:
Warden services
Firefighting
Rescue
Depot services
Crash blackout measures.
Camouflage of critical installations.
Updating and rehearsing:
Civil Defence Plan
Evacuation Plan
Cleaning of bunkers/trenches
3. Civil Defence Act, 1968
Legal Basis: Governs the mock drills and other civil defence activities.
Emergency Powers Granted to Government:
Impose curfews, restrict movement, control gatherings.
Close roads, ports, transport services.
Detain or arrest without normal legal procedures.
Order killing of animals if needed.
Compulsory acquisition of property and requisition services.
Control supply and distribution of essential goods.
Direct individuals or groups to perform duties.
Control and censor communications and media.