Patna: A citywide Civil Defence blackout and mock drill will be conducted across urban areas of Patna on May 14, from 7 pm to 7.15 pm, as part of preparedness measures to test emergency response systems during a simulated air raid scenario.
The district administration has appealed to residents not to panic and to cooperate by switching off all lights in homes, shops, offices and commercial establishments during the scheduled blackout period. Officials clarified that the exercise is purely a mock drill conducted under government directives and that there is no actual threat of an attack.
District Magistrate of Patna said the exercise aims to assess the operational readiness of the administration and disaster response agencies in handling emergency situations such as air raids, rescue operations and evacuation procedures. Authorities also urged citizens not to pay attention to rumours and to rely only on official communication.
The blackout and mock drill will be carried out in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures laid down by the Directorate of Civil Defence. The exercise will cover areas under the jurisdiction of the Patna Municipal Corporation as well as the Nagar Parishads of Danapur Nizamat, Khagaul and Phulwarisharif.
To ensure smooth execution, the administration has activated multiple specialised cells to oversee logistics, traffic management, law and order, communication systems, lighting arrangements, publicity and documentation.
Several locations in the district have been identified as simulation sites for the exercise, including the Patna Collectorate, Biscomaun Bhawan, Bankipore Bus Stand and IGIMS. Different emergency scenarios will be enacted at these locations according to a pre-approved action plan under a centralised command and control system.
The Superintendent of Police (Traffic) has been directed to make necessary arrangements for traffic regulation during the drill. Officials said six emergency response scenarios will be tested, including air raid warning systems, blackout implementation, evacuation and sheltering, search and rescue operations, medical response and casualty evacuation, and firefighting measures.
The administration said the mock drill will also assess the coordination and response capabilities of agencies such as the Fire Brigade, ambulance services, NCC, NDRF, SDRF, urban local bodies, Civil Defence units and law enforcement authorities.
Officials confirmed that essential services will remain unaffected during the exercise. Hospitals participating in the blackout drill will use cubicle or privacy curtains on windows to maintain emergency operations.
A table-top exercise based on an air raid scenario will also be conducted at the Patna Collectorate on May 13 ahead of the full-scale mock drill. On May 14, a Civil Defence siren will sound for two minutes to signal the beginning of the blackout.
The District Magistrate said such preparedness exercises are organised at least twice a year in compliance with government guidelines and noted that a similar mock drill had been conducted successfully last year.
The administration has directed departments to undertake extensive public awareness campaigns and encourage citizen participation through schools, business organisations and civil society groups. The District Education Officer has also been asked to spread awareness among students.
During the exercise, the district control room and emergency operation centres will remain active. Residents can contact the District Emergency Operations Centre at 0612-2210118, the 24×7 District Control Room at 0612-2219810 or 0612-2219234, or dial 112 in case of any emergency or confusion.
