Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Reviews State’s Security and Preparedness

Mumbai : In light of the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a comprehensive review of the state’s overall security and preparedness with police and administrative agencies. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was also present during the meeting.

While reviewing all aspects including mock drills and blackouts, Chief Minister Fadnavis issued several important directives. Present at the meeting were Acting Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Director General of Civil Defence Prabhat Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Home Department Radhika Rastogi, Additional Inspector General of Intelligence Shirish Jain, and District Collectors of Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban.

Key Directives Issued by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis:

– Conduct mock drills in every district and establish district-level war rooms.
– Cancel leave for all senior officials in crucial departments such as Health and Disaster Management.
– Set up coordination systems with hospitals during blackouts. Since lights are switched off to avoid becoming targets, ensure continued functioning with alternate power sources and use of blackout curtains or dark-tinted glass to prevent light from escaping.
– Disseminate educational videos to students and citizens explaining what a blackout is and how to respond. Launch extensive public awareness campaigns.
– Study the Union Government’s ‘Union War Book’ in detail and ensure all stakeholders are informed.
– Cyber cells in each district must monitor social media for any accounts aiding Pakistan or spreading false information, and take appropriate action against them.
– Emergency funds will be disbursed to all District Collectors immediately to enable swift procurement of essential items. Any further significant proposals must be approved within an hour.
– Convene a meeting of all municipal corporations in the MMR region to raise awareness on blackout protocols and involve cooperative housing societies in the preparedness drive.
– Police departments must maintain heightened alertness. In light of potential anti-national activities, intensify combing operations and patrols.
– Filming military preparations and sharing them on social media is a punishable offense—register FIRs immediately for such violations.
– To strengthen coastal security, rent fishing trawlers as needed.
– Set up a government mechanism to provide accurate and timely information to the public.
– Conduct an immediate cyber audit of all critical infrastructure, such as electricity generation and distribution facilities, to protect against potential cyberattacks.
– To improve coordination between the government and security agencies, invite senior officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard for the next meeting via video conference.