Civil defence drills in Odisha simulate war scenarios

Civil Defence simulation exercises were conducted in various locations throughout Odisha to evaluate the state’s emergency preparedness in the context of escalating tensions with Pakistan. The exercises were conducted in three coastal areas of the district: Gopalpur-on-sea, Orissa Sands Complex (OSCOM) of Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) in Chhatrapur and Gopalpur port. Similar exercises were held in Angul, various areas of Koraput, 16 locations in Kendrapara district, Rourkela, Balasore town, Vivekananda Marg, Motiganj Bazaar, Phandi Chowk, Bhaskar Ganj, and several local squares, besides Khetrajpur railway station in Sambalpur. In Jagatsinghpur district, the exercise was conducted in the Sandhakuda slum and Nehru Bungalow, located in the port town of Paradip. A diverse range of participants were involved in the exercises, including police officers, firefighters, Red Cross personnel, scouts. and volunteers. These individuals were tasked with intervening in war scenarios, bomb explosions, and fires. The population was informed about the precautionary measures to be taken in the event of an attack. Demonstrations were also held on how to handle the injured and victims. A wide range of local authorities, both civil and military, were invited to oversee the exercises.