DCs directed to activate civil defence system

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena has directed all the Deputy Commissioners in the state to activate the civil defence system as per the directives of the Central Government. He gave these directions while presiding over a hybrid meeting of the Advisory Committee on Civil Defence held under the aegis of the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) here today.

The key agenda was the final preparation and coordination for the upcoming Civil Defence Mock Drill – “Operation Abhyaas”, scheduled for May 7, at 4 PM in Shimla, aimed at testing preparedness and response mechanisms in the event of a possible aerial attack.

While addressing the meeting, the Chief Secretary called for proactive readiness to counter any potential aerial threat from adversaries. He has called upon citizens to cooperate and actively participate in Operation Abhyaas to enhance public readiness and response capabilities.

Besides, he also instructed the Deputy Commandant General, Home Guards, Fire Services & Civil Defence, the Shimla District Administration and HPSDMA to coordinate with all stakeholders and line departments to ensure the smooth and realistic execution of the mock drill. “The simulation will include incoming air raid alert with siren activation and blackout measures, fire outbreak in a building, search and rescue operations, casualty evacuation and provision of first aid and evacuation of civilians from high-risk zones,” he said.

Saxena said that civil defence awareness is essential for enhancing community preparedness across the state. He reiterated that Civil Defence refers to organised, non-military efforts aimed at protecting civilians and infrastructure during both peacetime and conflict. “Its primary objectives include preparing civil administration to manage hostile attacks, training civilians, minimising destruction, maintaining public morale and supporting the armed forces during national emergencies,” he added.

He also highlighted key responsibilities for district administrations, including enrolment of Civil Defence Wardens and Volunteers, conducting risk assessments and identification of vulnerable areas, implementation of air raid warning systems, blackout and camouflage protocols, regular formulation and rehearsal of CD plans, preparation and updating of evacuation plans, augmentation of emergency services such as medical aid, food, water and fire safety and conducting civilian training and awareness drives.

A comprehensive presentation on the Civil Defence structure in Himachal Pradesh was made by Deputy Commandant General Arvind Parashar. The presentation detailed the multi-tier structure of Civil Defence functioning at state level led by the Director Civil Defence (ADGP – Home Guards, Fire Services & CD), District Level headed by Deputy Commissioners as Controllers of Civil Defence and DDMA Chairpersons, assisted by Commandants of Himachal Home Guards, Sub-Division Level managed by Sub-Divisional Magistrates and local Level by Civil Defence Wardens comprising Panchayat Pradhans and ULB Members.

The structure also identified vulnerable areas across the state—including regions with hydroelectric power plants, military installations and industrial zones—underscoring the importance of a coordinated civil defence response.