Bhubaneswar Gears Up for Civil Defence Mock Drill

The exercise, aimed at preparing residents for potential wartime scenarios such as air raids or bomb attacks, will span from Bapuji Nagar to Rajmahal Square. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort, with 244 districts across India, including 12 in Odisha, participating in similar drills to bolster civilian preparedness.

The mock drill, scheduled to commence at 4:00 PM, will be signalled by a siren alerting residents to seek shelter in safe locations, such as basements or sturdy buildings. The Fire Services Department, led by IGP Umashankar Das, has urged the public to move to secure areas immediately upon hearing the siren. A second siren will mark the conclusion of the drill, indicating it is safe to resume normal activities. During the exercise, all shops and markets in the designated areas will remain closed, and power supply may be temporarily cut to simulate blackout conditions, a critical measure to conceal key infrastructure from potential enemy detection.

The drill is a proactive response to recent geopolitical developments, particularly following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which has strained India-Pakistan relations. Authorities have emphasised that while no immediate threat of war exists, the exercise is designed to equip citizens with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves in a crisis. “Our responsibility is to ensure public safety. We are preparing for any eventuality, and we urge residents to stay calm and follow instructions,” said Sudhanshu Sarangi, Director General of Fire Services.

In Bhubaneswar, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken extensive measures to ensure the drill’s success. A 24-hour control room has been established at the BMC headquarters, accessible via the helpline number 1929, to address public queries and coordinate emergency responses.

Khordha District Collector Chanchal Rana, along with BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, conducted a thorough review of preparations on Tuesday, inspecting the Integrated Command Control Centre and ensuring surveillance cameras are operational. Discussions with officials focused on rapid response mechanisms and communication systems to manage a potential attack scenario.

The mock drill will involve multiple agencies, including medical teams, fire services, civil defence units, and other administrative bodies, working in tandem to simulate real-time crisis management. Residents are advised to keep torches, candles, and other essentials ready, monitor official alerts via TV or radio, and avoid spreading or believing rumours. For those in temporary or fragile structures, authorities have planned evacuation measures to relocate them to safer locations.

Beyond Bhubaneswar, the drill will be conducted in 11 other Odisha districts: Balasore, Koraput, Gopalpur, Hirakud, Paradip, Rourkela, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, and Talcher. The state government has underscored the importance of public cooperation, with officials emphasising that the exercise is a precautionary step to enhance preparedness without causing panic.

As part of the drill, a five-minute siren will sound at 4:00 PM, signalling the start of the exercise. Residents are expected to reach safe spots within 5-10 minutes and remain there until the second siren. Additional measures, such as light control to prevent enemy targeting, will also be tested. “There’s no need to panic. This is a routine exercise to ensure we are ready,” reassured DG Shadangi, urging the public to rely solely on official communications.

The mock drill reflects India’s broader strategy to strengthen civil defence in light of regional uncertainties. With the nation on alert, Bhubaneswar’s efforts underscore a commitment to safeguarding lives and infrastructure in the face of potential threats.