In a significant move to bolster civilian preparedness for hostile attacks, a nationwide civil defence mock drill will be conducted on Wednesday, across 244 districts in India.
This comprehensive exercise, mandated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), marks the first such coordinated civil defence operation in decades and follows India’s airstrikes on nine terror-linked sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The Indian government described the strikes as “precise and restrained,” aimed strictly at “known terror camps” with no civilian, economic, or military infrastructure targeted. However, this claim has been disputed by Pakistan.
Objectives and Key Components of the Drill
The nationwide drill aims to assess and enhance readiness for emergency situations such as air raids, blackouts, and evacuations. The first round of mock drills will commence at 4 pm on May 7. The MHA has instructed states to:
- Activate air raid warning sirens
- Train civilians, students, and volunteers on self-protection techniques
- Rehearse crash blackouts
- Camouflage vital installations
- Update and practice evacuation plans
Key Updates from Across the Country
- Delhi: ‘Operation Abhyaas’ will be carried out at 55 locations across Delhi, simulating emergency situations like air raids, fires, and rescue operations. Schools have been asked by the Directorate of Education to train students and teachers, using a demonstration video to standardise drill execution.
- Maharashtra: Mock drills will be held at 16 locations across 10 districts including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Thane. Over 10,000 volunteers from Civil Defence, NCC, and the Home Guard will participate. Drills will be conducted at key locations such as Uran, Tarapur, Roha-Nagothane, and Manmad.
- Karnataka: Bengaluru, Karwar, and Raichur will host drills amid heightened security concerns following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
- Uttar Pradesh: Full-scale drills will be conducted across all districts. In Lucknow, rehearsals began on Tuesday, with a simulated bomb blast. Cities such as Prayagraj, Varanasi, Jhansi, and Bareilly will also participate. Bareilly will observe a blackout from 8 pm to 8:10 pm.
- Kerala: Drills will be conducted in 14 districts starting at 4 PM, addressing emerging threats in light of increased India-Pakistan tensions.
- Andhra Pradesh (Visakhapatnam): The district administration has designated Kotha Jalaripeta and Oxygen Towers as drill sites.
- Uttarakhand (Dehradun): Drills will simulate air raid sirens and evacuation procedures. Officials have held briefings with the Army, paramilitary, and civil defence units to coordinate the effort.
- Rajasthan (Barmer): The border district with historical military significance will actively engage in the drill with the participation of civilians and local officials.
- Assam: Drills will be conducted in 14 designated civil defence districts.
- Gujarat: Civil defence activities and blackouts will take place in 18 districts, including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Kutch. Residents will switch off lights voluntarily between 7:30 pm and 8 pm as part of the blackout simulation.
What Are Civil Defence Mock Drills?
Civil defence drills test national preparedness for threats such as airstrikes or other hostile attacks. These exercises are governed by the Civil Defence Act, 1968, and form an essential component of India's passive defence strategy.
Will There Be Blackouts?
Some regions will simulate “crash blackouts,” where households and businesses are encouraged to switch off lights to reduce visibility during simulated air raids. These drills help assess readiness to limit casualties and infrastructure damage in actual emergencies.
Also Read: Mock drill in five Jharkhand districts on May 7
DOs During the Drill:
Recognise siren alerts:
Long wails = air raid alert
Short bursts = all-clear
Move to shelters: Basements, underground parking, or designated safe zones
Prepare emergency kits: Torch, water, medicines, emergency contacts
Simulate blackout conditions: Turn off lights, cover windows, disable light-emitting devices
Participate in safety training: First aid, child emergency care, home evacuation
Stay informed: Follow all instructions from officials and trainers
Schools: Conduct training, show demonstration video, submit reports
DON’Ts During the Drill:
- Don’t use mobile phones unnecessarily – they may disrupt emergency communications
- Avoid using any lighting during blackout simulations
- Do not enter restricted or camouflaged areas
- Refrain from sharing sensitive images or locations on social media
- Don’t panic or ignore instructions – this is a preparedness exercise
These drills aim not only to evaluate response mechanisms but also to educate and involve citizens in national defence readiness. The widespread participation of local administrations, schools, and volunteers underscores the seriousness of India’s approach to civilian preparedness in an evolving security environment.
Also Read: What to expect from the May 7 civil defence drill?
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