On May 7, 2025, a series of unprecedented civil defence mock drills unfolded across India, marking a significant response to the heightened security concerns following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which tragically claimed 26 lives. The Indian government characterized its military action as "a precise and restrained response" to the attack, emphasizing that it targeted only known terror camps while avoiding civilian or military installations in Pakistan.
In a nationwide exercise involving 244 districts categorized as 'civil defence districts', these drills were conducted against the backdrop of renewed hostilities with Pakistan. The Home Ministry mandated that all states operationalize air raid sirens, practice evacuation plans, and simulate rapid-response actions. This extensive preparation was not a routine affair; it was designed to enhance public and local authority readiness for any large-scale emergency.
In Delhi, the operation, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas', was launched at 55 sites across the city at 4 PM. Schools were instructed by the Directorate of Education to hold drills and submit evidence of compliance, with training materials provided to enhance preparedness among students and staff. "Disaster response training taught children how to react calmly during fires or air raids," said an official involved in the exercise.
Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, a full-scale mock drill commenced at 6 AM, with simulations including bomb blasts and evacuation procedures. DIG Shivashimpi Channappa reported that a combined meeting with all department heads had been held to ensure coordinated efforts across multiple zones. Similar exercises were conducted in Kerala, where 14 districts participated, and in Karnataka, where drills took place in Bengaluru, Karwar, and Raichur.
In border districts like Barmer, Rajasthan, the urgency of preparation was palpable, reflecting the area's wartime history. The district collector, MN Harendhira Prasad, noted that two sites—Kotha Jalaripeta and Oxygen Towers—were specifically chosen for drills, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in these exercises.
As part of the drills, residents learned essential safety protocols, such as recognizing siren signals—long wails indicating an air raid alert and short bursts signaling an all-clear. They were advised to head immediately to the nearest shelter, keep a go-bag ready with essentials, and stay indoors until the all-clear was announced. The drills aimed not only to test infrastructure and protocols but also to foster life-saving awareness among civilians.
In addition to Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, mock drills were held across various states, including Maharashtra, where 16 locations in 10 districts participated, and Punjab, where 20 districts conducted exercises. The drills in Maharashtra included sensitive locations like the Tarapur Atomic Power Plant, while in Telangana, simulations were held within Outer Ring Road limits to assess readiness against potential air raids.
The civil defence mock drills were a response to the complex threats identified by the Home Ministry, reflecting a strategic shift in India's approach to national security. Lt. General Arun Kumar Sahni (retd) underscored the drills' importance, stating, "When people are aware of potential threats and know how to respond, their lives and safety are not at risk." This sentiment echoed throughout the exercises, which were designed to engage the public and prepare them for any hostile attack.
Additionally, the Delhi Police enhanced their communication capabilities by procuring Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) systems, capable of transmitting emergency messages over distances exceeding one kilometer. This technological advancement aimed to ensure swift communication during crises, furthering the effectiveness of the drills.
The drills also served a psychological purpose, sending a clear message to Pakistan about India's readiness to respond to threats. The government has signaled that its retaliation could go beyond previous actions taken after the 2016 Uri or 2019 Pulwama attacks, indicating a shift in strategic posture. This was particularly significant given that such comprehensive civil defence exercises had not been conducted since the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
During the 1971 conflict, blackout drills and air raid sirens were commonplace, a practice that has now resurfaced in light of current tensions. The government’s decision to conduct these drills was not merely a precautionary measure but a calculated strategy to fortify national security and reassure the public.
In Kolkata, for instance, private schools conducted evacuation drills to test student readiness and institutional preparedness, while in Guwahati, NCC personnel participated in similar exercises. The coordination among various departments, including civil defence, police, and educational institutions, showcased a unified approach to emergency preparedness.
As the day progressed, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of apprehension and determination among participants. Residents were encouraged to remain calm and cooperative, with officials reiterating that the drills were a preparatory exercise and not a cause for panic. The drills were designed to familiarize citizens with emergency protocols, ensuring that they could respond effectively in a real crisis.
In summary, the civil defence mock drills conducted on May 7, 2025, across India represented a critical step in enhancing national security readiness. By engaging citizens in these exercises, the government aimed to foster a culture of preparedness, ensuring that individuals and communities are equipped to handle emergencies effectively. As tensions with Pakistan continue to be a pressing concern, these drills serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in safeguarding the nation's security.
