Attack on the state's biggest project refinery, from fire brigade to collector reached the spot

As part of the elaborate preparations made by the district administration to manage emergency situations, a special training program was convened at Jyotiba Phule Stadium, Jasol Phata in Balotra on Tuesday. It was convened following the directions of the Chief Secretary to assess the preparedness and coordination levels of administrative and security departments in different disaster scenarios.

Homeguards, members of the civil defense, physical teachers, fire department staff, and members of other allied departments were invited to attend this training program, which commenced at 12:30 in the afternoon. Sub-Divisional Officer Ashok Kumar supervised the program and made all the parties involved acquainted with the intricacies of disaster management.

On the objectives of the exercise, the subdivision officer said, “This exercise is not just a formal process, but a test of our preparedness to protect life and property in any future emergency situation. We are planning to expand this exercise to the village level, so that the message of civil security reaches every village and every person.”

He said that during this exercise, the effectiveness of the air raid warning system was practically tested, the functionality of the hotline and radio link with the Indian Air Force was checked, the preparedness and coordination capabilities of the district control rooms were assessed, and the general public, including students of schools and colleges, were given information about emergency behavior, safety measures and collective rescue techniques.

The police department clarified that in any situation like an air raid, as soon as the warning siren sounds, the citizens will have to immediately switch off all types of lights burning in their homes, shops, vehicles and public places. This includes mobile torches, road lights, high mast lights, lights installed on NHAI and state highways, lights at toll nakas and headlights of vehicles. Police officials said that this step is very important from the security point of view because the presence of light can lead to the enemy tracing a place. Clear guidelines have been prepared in this regard and a plan has been made to take them to the village level so that this important message reaches every citizen.

Subdivision Officer Ashok Kumar appealed to the citizens not to ignore this exercise considering it a mere government process, but to play the role of a responsible citizen and participate in it with full alertness and activeness. He said, "This training tells us how we can protect our family, society and area in times of disaster. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all of us to participate in this campaign and make Balotara a strong model in the direction of civil security."

On this occasion, officers and employees of police administration, medical department, the municipal council, fire department, educational institutions, voluntary organizations and many departments related to civil security were present. Everyone demonstrated better coordination among themselves and showed alertness towards their respective responsibilities in emergency situations.