Hyderabad: More frequent civil defence mock drills to be conducted in city

In view of the escalating tensions on the Indo-Pakistan border, officials are planning to conduct civil defence and emergency preparedness drills more frequently in the city

Hyderabad: In view of the escalating tensions on the Indo-Pakistan border, officials are planning to conduct civil defence and emergency preparedness drills more frequently in the city.

While there is not a fixed schedule for civil defence mock drills in Hyderabad as yet, the city could from now witnesses regular and diverse emergency preparedness exercises.

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These initiatives are organized by various agencies, including GHMC, the Telangana State Fire Services department, and specialized security forces, ensuring that both the public and emergency responders are well-prepared for potential emergencies.

“Though such mock drills are regular in the city, now their frequency would be increased due to heightened national security concerns,” said Y Nagi Reddy, Director General, Fire Services and Director Civil Defence for Telangana.

These exercises would be organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs and coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority to bolster civilian readiness against potential hostile threats, particularly in response to escalating tensions with Pakistan.

On the other hand, the Directorate of Enforcement Vigilance and Disaster Management (EV&DM) which usually conducts weekly emergency evacuation drills across all zones will continue these drills with focus on high-risk areas such as schools, hospitals, shopping malls, office buildings, hotels, and banquet halls.

The Telangana State Fire Services Department which has been organising statewide awareness programs and mock drills every week, will also with continue them. These programs are conducted in various establishments, including fuel refilling stations, schools, colleges, and industries, to educate the public on fire safety measures and emergency response protocols.

Beyond routine drills, the city also hosts specialized mock exercises focused on fire safety measures, handling fire extinguishers, and conducting rescue operations during fire emergencies.

Additionally, the Hyderabad International Airport regularly conducts counter-terrorism mock drills involving key stakeholders such as the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Octopus (Telangana Anti-Terrorist Squad), local police, and medical teams.