Amid the escalating India-Pakistan tensions, Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis reviewed Maharashtra’s security preparedness with the police and the administrative authorities on Friday.
As per the CM’s Office, the review covered a range of issues including drills, blackouts, and other security measures, reported news agency ANI.
The meeting was attended by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Acting Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, State Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) chief Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Deputy General of Police (DGP) of Civil Defence Prabhat Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Home Department Radhika Rastogi, Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Intelligence Department Shirish Jain, and Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban District Collectors.
Following the rewiew, CM Fadnavis issued a series of directives.
He directed that drills be carried out in every district and called for the establishment of war rooms at the district level, reported ANI.
The instructions also included the establishment of coordination mechanisms with hospitals during blackouts.
Fadnavis emphasised the need to continue operations using alternative power sources during blackouts and stated that lights should be switched off to avoid becoming targets. He also suggested using dark-coloured curtains or tinted glass to prevent light from being visible outside, reported ANI.
The directives further outlined the need to circulate educational videos explaining the nature of blackouts and the appropriate actions to take, targeting both students and the general public to raise awareness.
Fadnavis also urged the thorough study of the Union Government`s ‘Union War Book’, and ensured that everyone is well-informed about the steps to take during an emergency.
Cyber cells in each district police department have been asked to monitor social media to identify handles that may support Pakistan, as well as to take action against those disseminating false or enemy-supporting information.
Along with these directives, he also asked officials concerned to ensure that emergency funds are released immediately to all the district collectors to facilitate the urgent purchase of supplies. Additionally, any major proposal related to this issue should be approved within an hour.
Officials were also directed to convene meeting with all the municipal corporations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to raise awareness regarding blackouts. Cooperative housing societies were also to be included in this process.
The police departments have been urged to maintain heightened vigilance as the administration is anticipating an increase in anti-national activities. The authorities were directed to intensify combing operations and patrolling.
Fadnavis also emphasised that filming military preparations and sharing such content on social media would be considered a criminal offence, and immediate legal action should be taken in such cases.
To bolster coastal security, authorities have been directed to hire fishing trawlers as necessary. The government would also set up a system to provide citizens with accurate and up-to-date information regarding the ongoing situation.
Given the potential for cyberattacks on critical government infrastructure such as power generation and distribution, the directives called for immediate cyber audits to be carried out by the cyber department.
The directives also proposed better coordination between the government and security agencies, including inviting the heads of the three branches of the Army and the Coast Guard to the next meeting via video conference.
(With ANI inputs)
