In compliance with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India’s directives, a large-scale mock drill mimicking an air raid and blackout is scheduled for May 14 in Patna and six additional districts in Bihar, including Kishanganj, Begusarai, Purnea, Araria, and Katihar. The Directorate of Civil Defence, Bihar, has been assigned as the lead agency at the state level to oversee the exercise effectively. A Table Top Exercise was conducted on May 13 at the Department of Disaster Management to ensure smooth implementation, chaired by Principal Secretary Santosh Kumar Mall and Director General of Civil Defence Dr. Paresh Saxena, with the participation of disaster management officials from the concerned districts.
Emphasizing the significance of readiness, Principal Secretary Santosh Kumar Mall stressed the necessity of regular mock drills to improve public safety and disaster preparedness. He highlighted the role of such drills in raising awareness among citizens and urged the public not to panic during the scheduled blackout from 7 p.m. to 7.15 p.m. on May 14. Citizens have been requested to cooperate by refraining from using generators in apartment complexes and avoiding the use of mobile screens, torches, or any light sources.
Officials have been instructed to ensure the proper functioning of sirens in all designated areas, coordinate with the Energy Department for effective power shutdown, and utilize alternative siren systems like public address systems at intersections, police stations, and fire brigade vehicles. Special provisions have been made for hospitals, including the installation of curtains or screens on windows to maintain blackout conditions. Director General Dr. Paresh Saxena briefed officials on the technical aspects and objectives of civil defence mock drills, emphasizing a systematic and coordinated approach. He praised Begusarai’s performance in previous drills and encouraged other districts to match that standard in the upcoming exercise.
