MHA asks states to conduct civil defence mock drills on May 7

Srinagar: After the Centre cut the flow of water to Pakistan through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday asked several states to conduct civil defence mock drills on May 7 (Wednesday) amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 people, mostly tourists dead.

The MHA directed several states to ensure that the mock drills should focus on the key actions such as operationalization of air raid warning sirens. Training of civilians, students, etc, on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. Provision of crash blackout measures. Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants/installations. Updation of evacuation plan and its rehearsal.

The purpose of the civil defence mock drills is to enhance emergency preparedness.

The MHA’s advisory came after India decided to cut flow of water to Pakistan.

The source said hydroelectric dams — Baglihar in Ramban in Jammu and Kishanganga in North Kashmir — offer India the ability to regulate the timing of water releases.

Pertinently, soon after the Pahalgam terror attack India had announced slew of measures, including suspension of decades old Indus Water treaty, against Pakistan.

India’s decision to suspend the 1960 Indus Water Treaty brokered by the World Bank has put Pakistan in quandary.

Under the Indus Water Treaty, the Western Rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—are allocated to Pakistan, while the Eastern Rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—are allocated to India. However, India retains limited rights over the Western Rivers, including usage for domestic, non-consumptive, agricultural, and hydroelectric purposes under strict regulations.

The April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam was linked to Pakistan-backed terrorist groups, bringing bilateral relations between India and Pakistan to a boiling point.

India has downgraded diplomatic ties, suspended trade activities, closed border gates and banned entry of Pakistani vessels into the sea waters. Pakistanis in India were deported.

Since April 22, Pakistan troops have violated LoC ceasefire in J&K and fired small arms for 10 consecutive nights which has further escalated tensions between the two nations. —(KNO)