Kolkata, 7 May (H.S.): Amid heightened national security concerns following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the West Bengal government on Wednesday launched a seven-day statewide mock drill to assess its emergency preparedness and response systems. The drill places particular emphasis on border security, given the state’s proximity to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
A senior state official said that over 90 sirens have been installed in Kolkata and 25 to 30 in each district to test alert mechanisms. These sirens have been mounted on rooftops of key government buildings, including Mahajati Sadan, the Civil Defence Headquarters, the Calcutta High Court, and the Lalbazar Police Headquarters. They will be activated as part of the ongoing mock drill.
Although the general public will not directly participate, civil defence personnel, police, fire services, municipal bodies, and panchayat officials have all been placed on high alert. Around 55,000 civil defence volunteers and 7,200 trained disaster response personnel, known as Aapda Mitras, are involved in the exercise.
The official added that NCC cadets, scouts and guides may also be engaged in public awareness efforts if needed. Public advisories are being shared through social media platforms to ensure wider reach and awareness.
Underground Bunkers Identified Across Kolkata
Authorities have earmarked several underground structures as potential emergency bunkers. These include the basements of metro stations, shopping malls, multi-storey buildings, and the underground parking area near Writers’ Building. In rural districts, temporary bunkers are being created using tin sheds near canal embankments.
MHA Directs Border Vigilance and Coordination
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced 31 mock drills across 23 districts of West Bengal. During a virtual meeting between the Union Home Secretary, State Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, and senior officials from civil defence and disaster management, the central government stressed the need for enhanced vigilance along the international borders.
State authorities informed the Centre that 62 satellite phones are currently available for use. As per MHA directives, the drills will include tests for aerial attack sirens, civilian self-defence training, bunker sanitation, evacuation protocols, concealment of strategic assets, and power outage simulation.
Air Force Communication Systems Under Review
The ongoing drill will also test the hotline and radio communication systems with the Indian Air Force, as well as the efficiency of control rooms and shadow control rooms, to ensure swift and effective emergency response capabilities.
This comprehensive mock drill is part of a coordinated national preparedness strategy aimed at strengthening India’s civil defence and disaster readiness mechanisms in light of evolving security threats.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
