HP Cabinet: Chief Secretary Reviews Preparations for Civil Defence Mock Drill on May 7
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena chairing the meeting
Shimla, May 6: Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena chaired a meeting of the Civil Defence Committee in Shimla on Tuesday under the aegis of the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA). The meeting focused on reviewing the preparations for the upcoming civil defence mock drill, Operation Abhyas, scheduled to take place in Shimla at 4 PM on May 7, 2025. The exercise is designed to test readiness and response mechanisms in the event of a potential aerial attack.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed all District Magistrates to activate civil defence systems in accordance with central government guidelines. Highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s strategic significance, he called for comprehensive preparedness against any possible aerial threats. He instructed the Home Guards, Fire Services, Civil Defence Directorate, the Shimla district administration, and HPSDMA to coordinate closely with all stakeholders and departments to ensure smooth and realistic execution of the drill.
The mock drill will simulate an air raid scenario, including siren alerts, blackout protocols, building fires, search and rescue operations, casualty evacuation, first aid, and the evacuation of civilians from high-risk zones.
Emphasizing the importance of civil defence awareness, Saxena underlined the need for community-based preparedness to handle any disaster or hostile event. He explained that civil defence involves structured, non-military efforts aimed at protecting civilians and property during both peacetime and emergencies. Its objectives include supporting civil administration, managing disruptions, boosting public morale, and aiding the military during national crises.
The Chief Secretary also outlined the responsibilities of district administrations, which include enrolling civil defence wardens and volunteers, conducting risk assessments, identifying vulnerable sites, implementing air raid warning systems and blackout protocols, rehearsing civil defence plans, strengthening evacuation strategies, ensuring emergency supplies and services, and running awareness campaigns.
Deputy Director General (Home Guards, Fire Services, and Civil Defence) Arvind Parashar gave a detailed presentation on the civil defence structure in Himachal Pradesh. The presentation covered the organization and management of civil defence units at the state, district, sub-divisional, and local levels.
Earlier, Special Secretary and Director of HPSDMA D.C. Rana welcomed the participants and stressed the need for a robust civil defence framework given the state’s strategic importance.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Omkar Sharma and senior officials from departments including Public Works, Jal Shakti, Power, BSNL, Food & Civil Supplies, AIR, Doordarshan, Information & Public Relations, R-Track, mobile service providers, health services, and fire services.
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
