Bhubaneswar, 7 May (H.S.): In a robust demonstration of emergency preparedness, the state of Odisha conducted a comprehensive Civil Defence Mock Drill across 12 strategic districts on Wednesday. The exercise was part of the nationwide ‘Operation Abhyas’, initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 civilian lives.
The state-level exercise aimed to test and enhance civil defence mechanisms, assess inter-agency coordination, and improve public response protocols in the event of emergencies such as air raids or terrorist attacks. The drill spanned critical infrastructure areas and vulnerable localities, reflecting a proactive approach to India’s evolving national security landscape.
Odisha’s drill included key districts: Angul, Balasore, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Khurda, Kendrapara, Koraput, Puri, Sambalpur, and Sundargarh, chosen for their strategic proximity to sensitive installations and coastal vulnerabilities.
The mock drill commenced at 4:00 PM, initiated by air raid sirens and city-wide blackout protocols, particularly in urban areas like Bhubaneswar. Emergency shelters were activated and transit shelters were deployed in coastal zones under the supervision of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA). Fire services, police, and district authorities conducted evacuation exercises, demonstrating rapid response techniques for high-rise buildings and public spaces.
In Bhubaneswar, fire tenders patrolled nine localities, sounding sirens and issuing safety instructions via public address systems to raise awareness among citizens.
A standout event occurred in Rourkela, where a specialised drill was held at Uditnagar Mini Stadium, drawing public participation and showcasing collaborative emergency response efforts.
The state-wide effort saw the involvement of over 15,000 trained personnel, including NCC cadets, NYKS volunteers, Bharat Scouts and Guides, and representatives from the Army and police. These teams conducted practical demonstrations on first-aid, emergency lighting, and how to function during communication blackouts. Prior to the drill, schools across the state held sessions to educate students on the use of gas masks and other safety equipment.
Twin City Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh, briefing the media, stated “The mock drill was successfully executed with active participation from all agencies. The cooperation of volunteers and uniformed services was commendable, and it has helped build public confidence in our emergency preparedness.”
This mock drill comes in the wake of ‘Operation Sindoor’, India’s strategic counterterrorism strike on terror camps in Pakistan, and aligns with the Centre’s upgraded national defence protocols. Odisha’s focus on coastal districts reflects its alignment with Category I–IV defence preparedness defined by MHA, ensuring robust readiness for multi-domain threats.
With the successful execution of this civil defence exercise, Odisha reaffirms its commitment to national security and public safety, standing ready for any eventuality in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
