Sambalpur: Civil Defense Mock Drill Organized Today to Prepare for Disasters; Sirens to Sound from 4 PM, SP Mukesh Bhamu Urges to Public Not to Panic

Purpose of the Drill

Sambalpur: Sambalpur district administration will conduct a civil defence mock drill tomorrow, May 7, based on the advice of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The drill aims to prepare citizens for possible war-like or other emergency situations by increasing awareness and readiness.

When and Where

The mock drill will take place from 4 PM, starting with a siren that will last for 5 minutes. A second siren will sound at 4:15 PM. The drill will be conducted in the area between Laxmi Talkies and Khetrajpur Railway Station.

Public Instructions During the Drill

District Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar informed that during the sirens, people should stay indoors if they are at home, while those on the roads must move to the nearest safe place. All citizens are required to leave their vehicles and take cover for their safety. He emphasized that the mock drill is not a real emergency and urged everyone to remain calm and not to panic.

Key Objectives

According to the District Collector, the drill has several goals: to empower citizens to take quick action during disasters, to raise awareness about emergency evacuation procedures, and to assess the readiness of fire services, police, health services, and other emergency departments.

Call for Public Participation

Authorities have requested all citizens to actively participate and follow the instructions of local officials and volunteers. They emphasized the importance of helping elderly people, children, and persons with disabilities during the drill.

Organizations Involved

The mock drill will involve the Fire Department, Police Department, Health Department, NCC and NSS units from local schools and colleges, as well as local business organizations.

SP’s Statement

At a press conference this evening, SP Mukesh Bhamu said that a similar drill will also be conducted in Hirakud at the same time. He reassured the public that this is a standard preparedness activity as directed by the central government and there is no reason to be afraid.