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Readying for the day after: The Asian Age
New Delhi, Feb 17: Pakistan President Gen Pervez Musharraf`s threat to nuke India in case of a war has not been taken lightly by New Delhi. After establishing a command structure on nuclear missiles, the next point on the Government`s agenda is preparing a contingency plan for evacuating civilians in the event of use of weapons of mass destruction by the enemy or a terrorist group, said to have acquired lethal capabilities.
New Delhi, Feb 17: Pakistan President Gen Pervez Musharraf's threat to nuke India in case of a war has not been taken lightly by New Delhi. After establishing a command structure on nuclear missiles, the next point on the Government's agenda is preparing a contingency plan for evacuating civilians in the event of use of weapons of mass destruction by the enemy or a terrorist group, said to have acquired lethal capabilities.
Though the Ministry of Home Affairs would be the nodal agency in handling disaster management and natural calamities excepting drought, expert committees for preparing plans for tackling nuclear, biological and chemical threats have been set up under different ministries concerned, a top official said.
A secretary-level official of Home Ministry, for instance, is heading the committee comprising experts drawn from various departments, including nuclear energy and defence, to deal with a nuclear threat; Chemicals Ministry is looking into potential chemical and biological crises.
Sources said while dealing with a nuclear threat, focus would be on three things -- immediate impact area, who should be trained and what as well as how soon the Government provides required help. It would require great deal of specialised training for personnel, likely to be selected from the CISF, and equipment for forces engaged in evacuation task as well as potential victims. The officials are shortlisting places from where it could be procured and training facilities could be organised.
The Government started working on preparing a contingency plan immediately after 9/11 attack in the United States. It, however, gained momentum, acquiring "urgent" status, after intelligence reports that some terrorist organisations have acquired weapons of mass destruction and fanatic militant leaders, having total disregard for human life and civilisation, could eventually use them.
A National Disaster Management Authority, as promised by the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the wake of Gujarat earthquake, would soon be established. The MHA has already issued a note to this effect and the issue is likely to be taken up by the Cabinet soon.
Officials said a nuclear weapon when used blasts above the surface, creating tremendous heat, sucking the air and consequent lethal radiations. Underground areas like Delhi Metro stations could be a suitable place to take shelter, but given the demographic pressure, it could prove to be hugely inadequate. The officials admitted though a beginning has been made to limit the damage, establishing an effective rescue and rehabilitation structure could take a decade.
Trained personnel could be stationed in groups at strategic places in the country from where they would be moved swiftly to any place if required.
While India has adopted a "no-first use" policy regarding nuclear weapons, the command and control structure authorises the Prime Minister or "the designated successor(s)" to release the N-weapons and ensures that an "effective and survivable" system is in place with sufficient flexibility and responsiveness. The Cabinet Committee on Security also has a major role to play in case of an attack.
Bureau Report
Though the Ministry of Home Affairs would be the nodal agency in handling disaster management and natural calamities excepting drought, expert committees for preparing plans for tackling nuclear, biological and chemical threats have been set up under different ministries concerned, a top official said.
A secretary-level official of Home Ministry, for instance, is heading the committee comprising experts drawn from various departments, including nuclear energy and defence, to deal with a nuclear threat; Chemicals Ministry is looking into potential chemical and biological crises.
Sources said while dealing with a nuclear threat, focus would be on three things -- immediate impact area, who should be trained and what as well as how soon the Government provides required help. It would require great deal of specialised training for personnel, likely to be selected from the CISF, and equipment for forces engaged in evacuation task as well as potential victims. The officials are shortlisting places from where it could be procured and training facilities could be organised.
The Government started working on preparing a contingency plan immediately after 9/11 attack in the United States. It, however, gained momentum, acquiring "urgent" status, after intelligence reports that some terrorist organisations have acquired weapons of mass destruction and fanatic militant leaders, having total disregard for human life and civilisation, could eventually use them.
A National Disaster Management Authority, as promised by the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the wake of Gujarat earthquake, would soon be established. The MHA has already issued a note to this effect and the issue is likely to be taken up by the Cabinet soon.
Officials said a nuclear weapon when used blasts above the surface, creating tremendous heat, sucking the air and consequent lethal radiations. Underground areas like Delhi Metro stations could be a suitable place to take shelter, but given the demographic pressure, it could prove to be hugely inadequate. The officials admitted though a beginning has been made to limit the damage, establishing an effective rescue and rehabilitation structure could take a decade.
Trained personnel could be stationed in groups at strategic places in the country from where they would be moved swiftly to any place if required.
While India has adopted a "no-first use" policy regarding nuclear weapons, the command and control structure authorises the Prime Minister or "the designated successor(s)" to release the N-weapons and ensures that an "effective and survivable" system is in place with sufficient flexibility and responsiveness. The Cabinet Committee on Security also has a major role to play in case of an attack.
Bureau Report