In light of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday reviewed the overall security preparedness in the state.
Along with deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, in a meeting with top administrative officials and police officers in the state, the CM ordered measures for robust communication, preparedness, and coordination across various sectors to strengthen the state's security framework.
He called for a meeting with heads of all three heads of Military and Coast Guard via video conference to improve coordination between the government and security forces.
The CM cancelled the leave of senior officials, particularly in health, disaster management and other key departments to ensure readiness for any probability in light of the current evolving situation. Officials were directed to set up war rooms and conduct mock drills at the district level and study the central government's "Union War Book" thoroughly and disseminate the information to all stakeholders.
Each district's cyber cell is required to monitor social media for accounts assisting Pakistan, and take action against those spreading incorrect or harmful information. Emergency funds to each district collector are to be given on an immediate basis for urgent procurement of essential materials.
Fadnavis has directed proper coordination system with hospitals during blackouts. To avoid being targeted, power the system with an alternate power system to have essential systems running and use dark curtains or glass to block outside light.
Awareness videos explaining the concept of a Blackout and how to respond during such situations must be created and distributed to students and citizens, and meeting must be organised with all municipal corporations in MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region) with involvement of housing societies to create awareness about the ‘blackout’ situation.
The police department has been alerted to maintain heightened vigilance and conduct additional combing operations and patrols, anticipating increased activity from anti-national elements and citizens should be provided with accurate and up-to-date information about the situation.
The cyber cell of the police in each district has been directed to monitor accounts supporting Pakistan on social media and take action against those spreading false and misleading information.
Fadnavis said it is a criminal offense to portray military readiness or share such images on social media, and called for immediate legal action in case of violation.
To enhance maritime security fishing trawlers can be leased.
Fadnavis ordered a cyber audit by the cyber department in view of the possibility of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure (such as power generation and distribution).
To improve coordination between the government and security forces, invite the heads of the three branches of the Military and the Coast Guard to the next meeting via video conference.
Since the killing of 26 people in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, mainly tourists, by militants, there has been heightened tension between India and Pakistan. India responded with Operation Sindoor striking nine terrorist bases in Pakistan.
The country has declared high alert across air, land and sea zones. On Friday, the Ministry of Home Affairs wrote to chief secretaries and administrators of all states and Union Territories to invoke emergency powers under civil defence rules for efficient implementation of the necessary precautionary measures .
The India-Pakistan conflict had a major escalation on the night of May 8-9 when Pakistan engaged military targets in 15 cities — Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj as per a press statement issued by the GoI. However, the planned attacks were averted by the Indian Army.