The circular issued by the Home Ministry said that the measures to be taken during the ‘mock drill’ include operation of air raid warning sirens, training civilians on security aspects to protect themselves in case of ‘any attack’ and cleaning of bunkers and trenches.
The Union Home Ministry has asked all states to conduct a mock drill on May 7 in view of the “new and complex threats” emerging amid rising tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack. The Home Ministry’s circular to the chief secretaries of all states and union territories said that the measures to be taken during the mock drill include operating air raid warning sirens, training citizens on security aspects to protect themselves in case of “any attack” and cleaning of bunkers and trenches.
Rust siren is usually installed in the following places
- Administrative buildings: Important government offices and buildings
- Police Headquarters: The main offices of the Police Department
- Fire Station: Fire department offices and stations
- Military bases: military bases and camps
- Crowded areas: In busy and crowded areas of cities
- Sensitive areas: Particularly sensitive areas in big cities like Delhi-Noida
“In the current geo-political scenario, new and complex threats/challenges have emerged, hence, it would be prudent that optimum Civil Defence preparedness in the states/UTs is maintained at all times,” the communication from the Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards said.
A war siren is a special type of warning system
- Loud sound: This siren makes a very loud sound, which can be heard from far away
- Vibratory sound: Its sound has a continuous high-low vibration, which makes it different from the sound of a common horn or ambulance
- Emergency notification: This siren is used to inform about an emergency like war, air strike or disaster
- Warning system: Its purpose is to alert people about the danger and prepare them for safety measures
- Sound intensity: 120-140 decibels
- Distance: Can be heard up to a range of 2-5 km
- Sound pattern: Cyclic pattern, where the sound gradually gets louder and then decreases
- Sound feature: This sound is different from the common horn or ambulance sound and is intended to alert people about the emergency
When did the Sarayan ring?
– 1962 China War: Rust sirens were used.
– 1965 Indo-Pakistani War: Rust sirens were used.
– 1971 Indo-Pakistani War: Rust sirens were used.
– Kargil War: Rust sirens were used in border areas.
The following steps need to be taken when the siren sounds during a mock drill:
- Move to safety: Move out of open areas and into homes or secure buildings.
- Stay calm: don’t panic and follow the instructions calmly
- Pay attention to TV, radio and government alerts: Use these channels for official information and instructions
- Avoid rumours: Ignore rumours and trust only official information
- Follow the instructions of the administration: Follow the instructions given by the administration and follow their advice
- Time to reach safe place: Reach safe place within 5 to 10 minutes of sounding siren
- Aim of the mock drill: To train people to reach a safe place and give them practice to exit quickly and calmly in case of an emergency
- Critical skills: Develop the skills needed to reach a safe location quickly and calmly
Russia Stands with India
In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, Russia has pledged its full support to India in the fight against terrorism. Russian President Vladimir Putin telephoned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and stated that Russia stands shoulder to shoulder with India. The Ministry of External Affairs stated, ‘President Putin reaffirmed Russia’s full support to India in the fight against terrorism. Putin stressed that those guilty of this heinous attack and their supporters must be brought to justice.’
Targeting Civilians Unacceptable: Guterres
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, referring to the Pahalgam attack, stated that targeting innocent civilians is unacceptable. However, without mentioning potential Indian retaliation, he added that military solutions are not a solution. He also offered to help de-escalate rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Guterres made this statement before attending an informal meeting of the UN Security Council called at Pakistan’s request. This ‘closed-door meeting’ is being convened to consider the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan; however, minutes will not be recorded.
India-Pakistan Updates
—Amidst rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. It is believed that they discussed the security situation.
—Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman raised the issue of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam attack with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masatsugu Asakawa. The two met in Milan.
—The Indian government is pressing for Pakistan’s inclusion in the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list and is calling for a review of multilateral funding flows.
—Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Japanese counterpart Yasukazu Hamada on Monday during the latter’s visit to India. Hamada offered full support to India.
—Rajnath and Hamada discussed the shared fight against terrorism. Both sides stressed the need to enhance cooperation and joint efforts to counter cross-border threats.
