New Delhi, May 9 (UNI) Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and the current hostile scenario, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday asked the states and Union Territories to exercise emergency powers under Civil Defence rules to ensure effective implementation of essential precautionary measures.

The MHA in a letter to the Chief Secretaries and Administrators of all states and Union Territories and referring to Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, said that the state governments have the authority to take all necessary steps to protect the lives of the people and property and to maintain the continuous operation of essential services in the event of a hostile attack.

“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 the state governments, to take such measures, which in the opinion of the state government us 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 said.

“The funds of the local authority shall be applicable to the payment of the charges and expenses Incidental to such compliance, and priority shall be given to such compliance over all other duties and obligations of the local authority,” it said. UNI RBE SSP