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Centre asks states to activate emergency powers: What does this mean?
Amid rising tensions with Pakistan, the Home Ministry has directed chief secretaries and administrators of all states and Union Territories to invoke the emergency powers granted to them under the Civil Defence Rules. But why is this happening? How will this help? read more
The Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered states to activate emergency powers granted by Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968.
Amid rising tensions with Pakistan, the Centre has asked states to activate emergency powers.
The Home Ministry has directed chief secretaries and administrators of all states and Union Territories to invoke the emergency powers granted to them under Civil Defence Rules.
But what does this mean? And how will this help?
Let's take a closer look:
What happened?
As per News18, the Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered states to activate emergency powers granted by Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968.
'In the current hostile attack scenario, I would like to draw your kind attention towards Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, which inter-alia empowers he State Governments, to take such measures, which in the opinion of the state government necessary for the protection of persons and property from injury or damage, or for ensuring the due maintenance of the vital services, in the event of hostile attack,' the letter read.
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'I shall be grateful, if Section 11 of the CD Rules, 1968, can be invoked and necessary Emergency Procurement Powers to the Director Civil Defence of your state and UT, may be granted so that efficient implementation of the necessary precautionary measures can be implemented,' it added.
As per The Times of India, the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, fall under the Civil Defence Act.
They were created to help India's civilian population and infrastructure speedily respond to attacks— be they from air, land, sea.
How will this help?
As per News18, this lets state governments
Undertake vital steps to protect people
Allows that essential services such as power and communication remain during an emergency
Cut red tape to purchase equipment required for civil defence.
This decision will allow officials to quickly buy
Emergency lighting and generators
Protective equipment for first responders
Communication devices
Water purification units
Rescue gear and first aid materials
Barricades and shelters
The Centre can also
Ban light displays to guard against aerial or night-time attacks:
Ban or regulate lights in the streets
Can mandate vehicles screen or cover their lights
Halt traffic on certain roads
As per ABP News, the government can also order people to be evacuation, procure accommodation for them, put up soldiers in a particular area, commandeer water supply from private owners and protect the ports.
Officials emphasised that timely action and preparedness at the state and local levels are essential to mitigate any impact from attacks.
The government had earlier ordered mock drills to be conducted on May 7.
School students take shelter during mock drills amid India Pakistan tension, in Jammu, May 6, 2025. AP
The call to strengthen civil defence measures follows a serious security incident along the India-Pakistan border as Pakistan on Thursday night launched a series of coordinated drone and missile attacks along India's western border, targeting regions in Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan.
According to Indian defense officials, the attacks were largely intercepted by India's air defense systems, including the S-400 missile defense system, preventing significant damage.
These strikes were reportedly in retaliation to India's Operation Sindoor conducted earlier this week, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists on April 22.
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The escalating conflict has led to heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, with both sides accusing each other of aggression and violating airspace.
The situation remains volatile, with international calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation_._
With inputs from agencies
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