Jajpur Business Portal | May 6, 2025
As India faces renewed tensions along its borders following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, the Odisha government has geared up for a major civil defence preparedness initiative. A series of mock drills will be conducted across 12 districts on May 7, 2025, aligning with a nationwide emergency readiness drive spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Why This Drill Now?
These drills come in the wake of escalating India-Pakistan tensions and heightened national security alerts. The aim is to simulate possible wartime scenarios such as air raids, blackouts, mass evacuations, and rescue operations. This is part of India’s first coordinated civil defence exercise on such a scale since the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
Districts Selected in Odisha
The 12 districts identified for this crucial drill include:
- Angul
- Khordha
- Balasore
- Bhadrak
- Kendrapara
- Ganjam
- Jagatsinghpur
- Dhenkanal
- Puri
- Koraput
- Sundargarh
- Bhubaneswar
Notably, Jajpur district is not among those selected for this round, but local authorities may coordinate related awareness activities and preparedness measures in parallel.
What Residents Can Expect
At exactly 4:00 PM on May 7, sirens will sound off in selected locations across the participating districts. This will signal the beginning of the mock drills, during which residents in those areas are expected to:
- Take cover under concrete roofs
- Avoid open areas
- Follow civil defence instructions issued by local officials
The simulation is designed to mirror real-world responses and will involve agencies like the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), police, health services, and local industries.
A Word to Jajpur Citizens
Although Jajpur is not directly part of this drill, it serves as a crucial reminder for local businesses, residents, and institutions to:
- Review emergency response plans
- Engage in community-level disaster preparedness
- Stay updated through official alerts and advisories
Industrially active districts like Jajpur must remain vigilant and proactive, especially given their critical infrastructure and workforce population.
Looking Ahead
This drill represents a proactive move by the government to ensure Odisha’s readiness in uncertain times. While peace remains the preferred path, preparedness is our strongest shield.
We encourage all Jajpur-based industries and citizens to connect with the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) and participate in mock response training wherever possible.