Role of Civil Administration in War Situations

ALOK K. SHRIVASTAVA

Although officers and staff of the Civil Administration must remain alert, active, and responsive at all times, it goes without saying that their duties and responsibilities increase significantly during a war or a war-like situation. Not only senior civil servants at the level of the Commissionarate but also those posted at the block or circle levels across various departments are expected to function efficiently.

We are aware that hostilities between India and Pakistan have escalated over the past fortnight. What was initially considered a low-intensity conflict now appears to be evolving into a full-fledged war.

Around the District Collector, Everything Clusters

First and foremost, a District Collector or head of the district administration must take cognizance of developments that may lead to a conflict, particularly those affecting the safety and security of civilians. The Collector must work closely with the District Superintendent of Police (SP) and his team of armed personnel. With several Additional District Magistrates (ADMs) or equivalent officers at his command, there is generally no shortage of manpower or vehicles.

Apart from briefing and sensitizing civil staff and uniformed personnel, unarmed Civil Defence volunteers must also be mobilized and taken into confidence.

Civil Defence

The idea is to utilize Civil Defence forces for rescuing people and relocating them to safe areas during crises. Civil Defence, after all, aims to save lives and minimize property damage. It is also tasked with protecting citizens during both man-made and natural calamities. The Indian Army may also extend support during specific emergencies or natural disasters.

Mock Drills

Mock drills aim to train civilians, students, volunteers, and others in Civil Defence techniques to provide protection in the event of a hostile attack. The purpose is to assist in maintaining peace, order, and in protecting and rescuing the civil population.

People must be trained in conducting drills, such as testing and operating air raid sirens, assessing injuries, and performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Proper methods for transporting the injured to hospitals must be taught to prevent further harm. An updated list of government and private paramedics should be maintained to minimize delays in medical response.

If a mock drill is to be conducted, adequate notice must be given to the public. Control Rooms and Shadow Control Centres must be checked for readiness. Other essential steps include operationalizing air raid warning sirens, cleaning and restoring bunkers, and training civilians. These exercises help assess preparedness and response capacity. Any weaknesses identified can be addressed early on.

Other Steps

Vulnerable areas and vital installations prone to enemy attacks must be identified quickly. The public should be sensitized about precautionary measures, and emergency shelters must be planned.

District Collectors are responsible for preparing lists of schools, community halls, Panchayat Ghars, and building basements that can be used as emergency shelters.

The Disaster Management Plan should be invoked. Integrated public warning systems must be installed and made functional. Enhanced security is essential in remote and densely populated areas, tourist spots, bus stands, railway and metro stations, airports, etc. Extra patrolling, especially at night, can be very effective.

Emergency Operation Centres, along with block, district, and state control rooms, must function 24/7. If CCTV systems are available, footage should be monitored and analyzed continuously. New volunteers must be trained for rescue and relief operations during fires, building collapses, floods, riots, or any other exigencies. Basics of crowd management should also be taught. It is important to ensure correct and authentic communication to parents regarding school-going children and adults working in offices.

Mock Drill on May 7

A widespread mock drill was conducted in 244 identified districts across the country on May 7. Delhi had one of the highest numbers — 55 drills. About 500 schools actively participated. While most important districts were covered, some vulnerable ones were left out. Districts near the national capital should not have been excluded.

Assistance of the Army

When the Army is called upon during abnormal or emergency situations, it assists the District Collector. It does not take over. The principle of civilian supremacy must always prevail. Public morale must be maintained, communication channels should remain clear, and any communication gaps must be avoided.

To Sum Up

The competence and effectiveness of officers and available manpower are put to the test during such abnormal situations. Fortunately, there has been significant improvement in both quantity and quality. One must make optimal use of available resources and those that can be mobilized in emergencies, such as low-intensity wars. Such challenges have arisen in the past and will do so again. Therefore, a foolproof system of documentation must be maintained — for preparedness, for learning, and above all, for humanity.