Lt Colonel Gaurav Bali, a decorated army officer and Gallantry Awardee, shares his insights on the national civil defence drill held on May 7, marking the first such event since the 1971 India-Pakistan war. With his extensive experience in military operations, Lt Col Bali sheds light on the importance of preparation, the role of civilians in disaster management, and the unique challenges Mumbai faces in ensuring readiness for emergencies. Here are the excerpts from the conversation. To watch the complete interview, scan the QR code.

Q: For the first time since the 1971 war, a national civil defence drill was held on May 7. Is it just a drill—or a sign of something bigger?
Lt Col Gaurav Bali (retd): It’s always better to be prepared than caught unaware. 
This is a proactive step by the government to train civilian forces for emergencies. Every civilian is a soldier in spirit.