Patna Leads Bihar’s Air Raid Blackout Mock Drill

Bihar hit the panic button—literally—on Thursday as air raid sirens pierced the evening sky across six districts led by Patna. Starting at 7 PM, electricity was severed statewide in the exercise zones, mimicking enemy strikes. Residents cooperated by dimming all lights, transforming bustling cities into ghost towns for a critical quarter-hour until restoration at 7:15 PM.

The comprehensive mock operation, aligned with central government mandates, involved Bihar’s Disaster Management Department, Civil Defence wing, and district bodies. Districts participating: Patna, Kishanganj, Begusarai, Purnea, Araria, Katihar. Under Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit’s vision, agencies united for scenario-based training to combat emergencies.

Six mock situations were enacted, constantly reviewed by Civil Defence chief Dr. Paresh Saxena from Patna control. Disaster Management Principal Secretary Santosh Kumar Mall tasked Joint Secretary Md. Nadimul Gaffar Siddiqui with statewide surveillance from the emergency hub, coordinating via video with local magistrates.

Strategic Patna venues hosted drills: Collectorate, Biscomaun Bhawan, bus stand, IGIMS. Kishanganj focused on administrative blocks, transport hubs, and chowks. Purnea’s broad coverage included university, schools, fields, intersections, and markets. Araria drilled at ag offices, stadiums, high schools, and civic bodies across multiple towns.

Patna’s District Magistrate Thyagarajan S.M. and Katihar’s Ashutosh Diwedi toured sites amid the blackout, ensuring protocol adherence. This initiative sharpens Bihar’s response toolkit, blending technology, training, and teamwork to safeguard lives in potential conflict zones. Evening’s darkness served as a stark reminder of preparedness priorities.