Bengaluru has become the latest city to conduct a large-scale civil defence mock drill titled ‘Operation Abhyas’, a significant exercise aimed at enhancing public awareness and emergency preparedness. This drill was conducted on May 7, 2025, in response to a nationwide directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which has called for similar exercises across India amid rising tensions with Pakistan following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that tragically claimed 26 lives.
The Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services Department organized the drill, which took place primarily in the Halasuru area of Bengaluru. The exercise was designed to simulate various emergency scenarios, including fires, debris entrapment, and high-rise evacuations. Each segment of the drill lasted approximately 30 minutes, with the entire operation running from 3:48 PM to 7:00 PM.
Key components of ‘Operation Abhyas’ included the initiation of siren alerts to signal emergency response protocols, rescue operations to remove individuals from simulated debris, high-rise evacuation demonstrations using aerial ladder vehicles, and first-aid simulations. The drill also featured coordination efforts among police, civil defence units, and fire services, highlighting the importance of teamwork in emergency situations.
Home Minister G Parameshwara underscored the significance of public readiness during a time of heightened threat perception, likening the current situation to historical events from 1972. He stated, “We must remain vigilant and prepared for any eventualities, as we are currently under a shadow of war with Pakistan.” This sentiment resonates with the MHA's broader strategy to bolster civil defence readiness across the nation.
In conjunction with the mock drill in Bengaluru, the MHA issued directives for similar preparedness exercises across various states and Union Territories, emphasizing the need for operational readiness in the face of potential hostile attacks. This initiative is part of a comprehensive civil defence strategy aimed at equipping citizens with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively during emergencies.
For instance, just over 24 hours before India launched its retaliatory operation, codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor’, in response to the Pahalgam attack, the MHA mandated that all states conduct drills to assess their preparedness for potential threats. The timing of these drills has been interpreted by military experts as a strategic move, with retired Lieutenant General B T Pandit noting, “The government’s directions on mock drills and air raid precautions were a key deception measure, creating a narrative that India was just beginning to prepare.”
Operation Sindoor, executed in the early hours of May 7, 2025, involved Indian armed forces carrying out strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Following the operation, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force provided briefings on the operational aspects of the retaliatory actions. Brigadier Ajit Apte (Retd) emphasized that the selection of the operation's name, Sindoor, sends a strong signal at multiple levels, while also highlighting the inclusion of women officers in the briefings as a significant message to both the nation and the international community.
Meanwhile, the Barmer district administration in Rajasthan has taken precautionary measures by imposing a mandatory blackout from 9 PM to 4 AM to protect against potential air raids. District Collector Tina Dabi has ordered residents to turn off all lights, including streetlights, and to cooperate with the Border Security Force (BSF) and police. Jodhpur District Collector Gaurav Agarwal warned that non-compliance could endanger lives, stating, “The first siren will signal an incoming threat, while the second will indicate that the threat has passed.”
In addition to the blackout, the administration has encouraged residents to prepare for emergencies by keeping essential documents ready and knowing the locations of nearby shelters. Each village has been tasked with forming disaster management committees to enhance local preparedness, ensuring that communities are equipped to respond effectively to any threats.
As tensions escalate along the India-Pakistan border, the MHA has also issued advisories to several states to operationalize air raid warning sirens and train civilians in civil defence measures. United Nations General Secretary António Guterres has remarked on the high tensions between the two nations, condemning the Pahalgam attack and calling for justice for the victims.
The ongoing situation has prompted various regions, including Dibrugarh in Assam, to conduct wartime safety mock drills, focusing on preparedness for aerial attacks. These exercises involve collaboration among multiple agencies, including local police and emergency services, to ensure that communities are equipped to handle potential emergencies effectively.
As the nation grapples with these heightened tensions and the threat of conflict, the importance of civil defence readiness cannot be overstated. The mock drills serve as a crucial reminder for citizens and authorities alike to remain vigilant and prepared for any eventuality, fostering a culture of safety and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
