Following the directive of Union Home Ministry, in the wake of escalating Indo-Pak tensions, all the 14 districts in Kerala will conduct civil defence mock drills on Wednesday.
Kerala, a coastal state with 560 km long shore-line, remains particularly vulnerable to any seaborne threats and infiltrations. Officials at the Cochin Port said that they are taking all appropriate security measures to counter any eventualities. In addition, the port is going ahead with the mock drill as per the directive of the government.
BPCL-Kochi Refinery officials said that they have initiated necessary measures in all their units and participating in the mock drill based on the directive by the government.
The Chief Secretary A.Jayathilak has directed all the district collectors to ensure proper conduct of the mock drill which will begin at 4 pm to assess various levels of defence preparedness. The mock drill will not only test Kerala’s institutional preparedness but will also promote awareness and response capabilities at the community and household levels. The drill will evaluate multiple facets of the civil defence mechanism in the State with the participation of police, fire and rescue services, disaster management officials and revenue departments.
Officials in the State Public Relations Department said the locations of the mock drill will be selected around the time it is scheduled to be held. It will be in various places in the city. There was no prior information on the specific locations being selected to hold the mock drill.