The Central Government recently invoked the Civil Defence Rules 1968 to authorise emergency powers for state governments in light of emerging national security concerns. This proactive step equips states with the tools they need to act quickly and decisively during:
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War-like situations
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Natural disasters
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Internal security threats
π Points to Remember :
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Enacted under Civil Defence Rules 1968.
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States can suspend essential public services like electricity and transport.
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Empowered to restrict noise and smoke-producing activities.
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Can regulate storage and use of hazardous materials.
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Aligns with Indiaβs strategic emergency preparedness.
Powers Granted to States underΒ Civil Defence Rules 1968.
Under the new directive, state governments now have access to a robust set of emergency powers, which include:
π οΈ Control Over Public Utilities
States can temporarily cut or restrict services such as electricity, water supply, road access, or telecommunications to manage risk areas.
π Noise and Pollution Regulation
Governments can ban activities producing loud sounds or harmful emissions, reducing panic and ensuring visibility in emergency zones.
π§― Hazardous Material Oversight
Direct authority over regulation and control of explosive, flammable, or toxic substances, especially in urban centres or industrial regions.
βοΈ Resource Prioritization
States can prioritise essential services to healthcare, emergency responders, and critical infrastructure during crises.
π¨ Legal Enforcement Powers
Local authorities now possess greater autonomy to penalise violations of civil defence mandates, enabling swift enforcement on the ground.
Background and Evolution of Civil Defence
The idea of civil defence dates back to World War II, when protecting civilians during air raids became essential. In India, civil defence gained formal status after the 1962 Sino-Indian War, revealing major gaps in civilian preparedness during conflict.
π°οΈ Key Milestones:
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1962: The India-China war underscored the need for civilian protection infrastructure.
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1968: Notification of Civil Defence Rules under the Civil Defence Act.
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2005: A holistic disaster management system was introduced via the Disaster Management Act.
Today, civil defence plays a hybrid role β addressing both war-related emergencies and climate-induced disasters, marking a crucial shift in its function from reactive to proactive preparedness.
Additional Resources
For further reading and deep understanding:
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π DD News
