The district administration on Saturday issued a series of directives to curb misinformation and rumour mongering on social media platforms and boost civil defence readiness across the district. In a prohibitory order, Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh, invoked the Indian Civil Protection Code, 2023, to ban the posting or forwarding of misleading or unverified content on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X and other platforms. As per the notice, unsubstantiated and sensitive content, whether in the form of posts, videos, reels or files, will be considered a threat to law and order and social harmony.  The order, which came into effect immediately, said violators will face legal action. Meanwhile, a meeting to strengthen civil defence measures under the 1968 Act was held under the chairmanship of Additional Collector (South). It focused on preparedness in light of current circumstances. The meeting was attended by sub-divisional magistrates, tehsildars, the Additional Commissioner of Bhopal Municipal Corporation, the District Medical Officer, Supply Officer, MP Madhya Kshetra Vidyut Vitran, District Panchayat officials, SDRF and the District Commandant, Home Guard. It was decided that civil defence teams would be formed at the sub-divisional level under the leadership of SDMs. These teams will handle rescue, relief, awareness and preparedness activities in their respective areas. Instructions were issued for resource mapping, installation and checking of sirens, maintenance of available equipment, registration of volunteers, and mock drills in schools and colleges in collaboration with voluntary organisations. Officials were also directed to implement earlier district orders, including maintaining minimum stock levels at petrol pumps and preventing black-marketing and hoarding. These measures aim to ensure stability in essential supplies.To widen outreach and improve coordination, the administration will also seek support from political and non-political organisations for public awareness and strengthening of civil defence teams at the grassroots. Later in the day, Minicipal Commissioner Harendra Narayan and Smart City CEO Anju Arun Kumar were named as assistant nodal officers to oversee the functioning and installation of sirens at key locations in the state capital.

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