Uttar Pradesh Observes Netaji's Birth Anniversary with Statewide Blackout Drill
On the occasion of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's birth anniversary, the Uttar Pradesh government organized a comprehensive blackout mock drill across the state on Friday. This initiative aimed to demonstrate and enhance civilian preparedness during wartime scenarios or major disaster situations, marking a significant step in the state's disaster management strategy.
Tribute to Netaji and Emphasis on National Security
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid heartfelt tributes to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, highlighting his enduring legacy as a national hero. The CM emphasized that Netaji upheld the ideal of 'Nation First' and continues to inspire the country. He recalled Netaji's formation of the Indian National Army for India's independence and his pioneering efforts in recognizing women's power through the establishment of the Rani Laxmibai Brigade.
"Every Indian is grateful for his contributions to India's independence and honours him as a national hero," said CM Yogi Adityanath, connecting the historical significance of Netaji's actions with contemporary security measures.
Strengthening Civil Defence for Rapid Response
The Chief Minister underscored the critical role of the Civil Defence Organisation as the first responder in any crisis. To ensure swift action during emergencies, units have been established in all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. Recruitment for this organization is currently ongoing, with a focus on building a robust network of volunteers.
CM Yogi Adityanath elaborated on the importance of a self-reliant society, stating, "A self-reliant society cannot depend on the government for everything. The first condition of self-reliance is that we also think about our country and society and work with the government to implement things faster." In alignment with this vision, civil defence volunteers across the state actively participated in the mock drills.
Expanding Disaster Management Capabilities
The Civil Defence Organisation's responsibilities extend beyond peacetime, encompassing roles during floods, accidents, traffic management, and wartime. CM Yogi Adityanath called for regular conduct of such drills to maintain continuous preparedness for disaster management. He highlighted the 'golden hour' concept, stressing that immediate response is crucial to saving lives during accidents.
In a move to bolster disaster response, the state is recruiting 'Disaster Friends' within the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). These individuals will receive priority in home guard recruitment in Uttar Pradesh. Currently, a recruitment process for 45,000 home guards is underway, with provisions to train them as Disaster Friends if needed.
"These volunteers can provide great help in relief work, and we all should remain aware of their importance. Regular mock drills are necessary to train the Civil Defence Organisation or Disaster Friends as first responders," the CM added.
Minimizing Loss Through Proactive Measures
CM Yogi Adityanath pointed out that during flood situations, the Civil Defence Organisation can assist the administration before the arrival of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and SDRF. This proactive involvement can significantly minimize loss of life and property, showcasing the vital role of local volunteers in emergency management.
The blackout mock drill serves as a practical exercise to test and improve the state's readiness, ensuring that Uttar Pradesh is better equipped to handle any unforeseen challenges in the future.
