Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The war-like situation between India and Pakistan has exposed the fragility of the emergency management system of the state. There is hardly any civil defence system. Nor are other emergency systems working.
The population of the state is 8.50 crore. The number of registered members of civil defence should have been 8.50 lakh. According to sources, 3,000 people are registered with civil defence. But most of them are not active.
Nearly 1,200 people are registered with civil defence in Bhopal. But only 150 of them are active. Other services provided in an emergency situation are also in a bad condition.
During the mock drill, it came to light that the siren was out of order in the state capital. The frontline volunteers, generally dealing with an emergency situation, have not been imparted training for a long time.
The government was worried about it during the recent war-like situation between India and Pakistan. Chief Secretary Anurag Jain reviewed the emergency management system across the state on Sunday.
Two persons from each village will be made members of civil defence. The administration has told the officials to impart training to the people of each ward and make them active.
The districts have been told that only those who remain active should be included in civil defence. Registration in civil defence should not be a mere paper work.
NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, ex-servicemen and retired cops should be given priority. The collectors and SPs have been directed to upkeep the sirens. The sirens should be kept ready so that they may work in an emergency situation.
