Odisha Conducts Civil Defence Mock Drills Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan

Emergency Preparedness Drills Across Odisha

Bhubaneswar: On Wednesday, civil defence mock drills took place in twelve districts of Odisha to evaluate the state's readiness for emergencies, particularly in light of increasing tensions between India and Pakistan, according to officials.

Cities such as Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, and Rourkela were among those where these drills were executed.

The exercise commenced at Raj Bhavan Square in Bhubaneswar, where sirens sounded for five minutes starting at 4 PM.

Participants simulated emergency scenarios, including laying on the ground while fire service teams extinguished a controlled fire and rescued individuals trapped in the area. Normalcy was restored following another siren.

Drills were also carried out in Angul, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Ganjam, Dhenkanal, Puri, Koraput, and Sundargarh districts, as reported by officials.

S Dev Datta Singh, the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner, noted that various agencies, including police, fire services, NCC, Army, Bharat Scouts and Guides, and trained volunteers participated in the drill.

The exercise showcased responses to fire incidents and the evacuation of individuals from high-rise buildings, among other scenarios.

Singh emphasized the willingness of all participants to assist during the drill.

Such drills are essential for preparing citizens for potential war-like situations and enhancing the morale of security forces, he added.

These exercises are being conducted nationwide under the directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs.