Hyderabad: With tensions flaring once again between India and Pakistan, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a fresh directive to all state chief secretaries, instructing them to activate emergency measures under the Civil Defence Act of 1968.
In a letter sent to state governments, the ministry pointed to Rule 11 of the Act, which empowers civil defence authorities to procure and deploy emergency warning equipment—most notably public sirens—without delay. The move, the letter stated, was part of an advance preparedness strategy in light of intelligence inputs suggesting the possibility of cross-border hostilities.
The advisory comes amid reports that several border cities have heightened security protocols following specific alerts indicating potential threats from across the Pakistan border. Urban centres across the country are now on high alert, with emergency communication tools like sirens being installed or tested as part of the preparedness plan.
The Centre has asked states to remain in a state of readiness, stressing that civil defence authorities should have full operational control over warning systems and must be able to deploy them immediately if the need arises.
Military installations in sensitive zones have reportedly begun using sirens to simulate emergency conditions and assess public responsiveness. The home ministry underscored that state administrations bear responsibility for ensuring civilian safety, especially in regions considered vulnerable.
States have also been advised to coordinate closely with local military and paramilitary units to synchronise their emergency alert mechanisms and maintain continuous communication with central agencies.
