NEW DELHI: As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, the capital city of Delhi is bracing for emergencies with comprehensive measures, including the trial of air raid sirens across its 11 districts. This initiative comes in the wake of heightened security concerns following Operation Sindoor, which has strained relations between the two nations.
On May 9, 2025, district magistrates in Delhi were directed to deploy both manual and electrical air raid sirens at critical locations throughout the city. The trials are set to occur at various times in the evening, with officials checking responses from relevant departments. G Sudhakar, the District Magistrate of Central Delhi, announced that testing would begin at 3 PM at the Public Works Department (PWD) headquarters at ITO, lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes. In a statement, Sudhakar urged the public to remain calm and not panic during the exercise.
In addition to the sirens, the Delhi government plans to procure 500 sirens to be installed across the city and train 1,800 Aapda Mitras, or friends for disaster management, through an agency recommended by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The New Delhi district will conduct similar siren tests at the NDMC Palika Kendra building from 6 PM to 7 PM, while the South West district has already installed sirens at various key locations, including the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and multiple metro stations.
In light of the emergency situation, the Delhi Services department announced on May 8 that all government officials' leaves would be canceled until further notice. Those who had previously received leave approvals were instructed to return to duty immediately, reflecting the urgency of the current security climate.
As part of a broader response to the escalating tensions, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has written to state chief secretaries and administrators urging them to invoke emergency powers under civil defense rules. This directive allows state governments to take swift action to protect citizens and maintain essential services in the event of an enemy attack or war-like situation. The MHA's letter emphasized that local bodies must prioritize these emergency measures over routine responsibilities and cover the associated costs from their own funds.
On May 7, the MHA conducted mock drills across 244 districts in India to prepare for potential air raids, ensuring that emergency protocols are well understood by officials and the public alike.
Meanwhile, in border states like Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan, authorities are enacting emergency measures in response to Pakistan's recent drone attacks. Following these incidents, the Punjab government has closed all educational institutions for three days, and similar closures have been announced in Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. In Rajasthan, schools in border districts will remain shut, reflecting the serious nature of the threats faced.
In the Union Territory of Ladakh, all school activities have been suspended for two days, while security measures have been heightened across various public locations, including malls, markets, and transport hubs. The Delhi police have intensified security checks, particularly at the Mayur Vihar Phase-1 Metro Station, where 41 CCTV cameras are operational, and personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) are deployed to ensure safety.
Bomb Disposal Squads (BDS) have also been active, conducting anti-sabotage checks at vulnerable locations throughout the city. Additionally, public access to India Gate has been temporarily restricted, a move described by police as a routine measure to prevent traffic congestion.
In response to the drone attacks, the Punjab cabinet ministers are set to review emergency services in border districts. Ten ministers will assess the situation on the ground, inspecting hospitals, fire stations, and the availability of essential supplies. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the state is well-prepared for any contingencies that may arise from the ongoing tensions.
Reports indicate that Pakistan launched unprovoked drone and missile attacks on various regions in India on May 8, targeting areas across the Line of Control and international borders. The Indian armed forces successfully neutralized over 50 swarm drones during a large-scale counter-drone operation, preventing significant damage and loss of life.
These military actions followed Indian precision strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which resulted in the elimination of approximately 100 terrorists. This operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, primarily tourists, in a targeted assault.
The situation remains fluid, with the MHA and local governments closely monitoring developments and prioritizing the safety of citizens. The invocation of emergency powers under the Civil Defence Rules reflects the seriousness of the current threat landscape and the commitment of authorities to safeguard the public.
As the situation evolves, the focus remains on maintaining order and readiness in the face of potential escalations, with both state and central authorities working in tandem to respond effectively to any emergencies that may arise.
