High alert in city despite ceasefire on India-Pak border

 

 

 

Even as India and Pakistan have announced the ceasefire along the borders, the city administration remains on high alert to ensure the safety of citizens and key installations. The District and Police Administration in Nagpur have carried out extensive security drills and inter-agency coordination exercises across all sensitive and strategic locations. These include the RSS headquarters, the Ordnance Factory and the Air Force Maintenance Command, reinforcing preparedness against any potential threats. At a joint press conference held at Police Bhavan on Saturday afternoon (Before annoucement of ceasefire), District Collector Vipin Itankar and Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal assured the public that full-scale preparations are in Contd from page 1 place. “Security drills and inter-departmental coordination have already been completed at all sensitive installations,” said CP Singal. Collector Itankar revealed that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a high-level meeting yesterday and directed the need for disaster preparedness statewide.

 

“In the first phase, mock drills were conducted in eight districts. The Chief Minister has now directed that mock drills be carried out in every district, including Nagpur,” said Itankar. A district disaster management meeting was held recently, with participation from all relevant departments, including medical, health, food and civil supplies, law enforcement, and fire services. The City police conducted a trial mock drill in five zones at 3:15 AM for a coordinated emergency response. The drills are being held both during the day and night to test response capabilities under varied conditions. “Night drills will include SOPs like switching off lights, drawing curtains, and blackout simulations,” informed CP Singal. The Government has produced a 1.5-minute awareness video, now being distributed to educate citizens on emergency protocols, including actions to take following the sound of warning sirens. Both the Collector and Commissioner focused on the importance of public awareness and community involvement. “Maximum people must be made aware. Mock drills will involve all departments, and people will be educated on what to do when sirens blow,” CP Singal stated. To prevent misinformation, especially via social media, the police are actively monitoring rumour-mongering and have warned that legal action will be taken against offenders.

 

A list of volunteers has been compiled, including personnel from NSS, NCC, and 1,000 Home Guards. Medical colleges have also been alerted for medical support during drills. Additionally, the availability of essential commodities has been reviewed to prevent panic buying or shortages. Three to four sirens have already been installed and tested in different locations, and more will be activated as drills expand. In light of heightened sensitivity around critical infrastructure, security has been intensified at Nagpur Airport and other strategic sites. The administration assures that all departments are aligned and fully prepared.