In response to heightened tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, India is set to conduct a nationwide civil defence mock drill on May 7, 2025. This exercise, the first of its kind in 54 years, will take place across 244 designated ‘Civil Defence Districts’, including key cities in Punjab and Rajasthan.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has mandated the drills to test and strengthen emergency preparedness in the event of a foreign attack. This comes on the heels of the tragic attack that left 26 people dead, underscoring the urgency for improved civil defence mechanisms.
On Monday, May 5, 2025, the MHA directed state authorities to implement these drills, which include various emergency preparedness exercises such as air raid siren tests, civilian preparedness training, and blackout measures. The drills aim to simulate real-world scenarios where civilians practice taking shelter, while emergency services respond in real-time.
In Punjab, mock drills will be held in cities including Amritsar, Bathinda, Ferozepur, and Ludhiana, among others. The Ferozepur district administration has already confirmed a citywide blackout drill on the same day. Deputy Commissioner Deepshika Sharma stated, “As we did a blackout rehearsal in the Ferozepur cantonment for half an hour on Sunday, we will be doing a similar exercise in the entire city on May 7.”
Prior to the main event, a test of the siren systems will take place on Tuesday, May 6, from 7 PM to 7:15 PM. Sharma reassured the public, saying, “People should not panic.” The drills will involve switching off all lights, including household and street lights, while the use of generators or even lighting matches will be strictly prohibited.
In addition to Punjab, the mock drill will also encompass nearly 300 districts housing critical infrastructure, such as nuclear facilities and military bases. These areas will undergo similar preparedness exercises to ensure a coordinated response to potential threats. The drills are part of a broader initiative to bolster civil defence readiness across the country.
The MHA’s guidelines emphasize the importance of activating air raid warning sirens and training civilians in civil defence procedures. The drills will also include the implementation of crash blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital installations, and updating evacuation plans. These measures are essential to minimize panic and confusion in the event of an actual emergency.
According to a 2003 document titled ‘General Principles of Civil Defence in India’, blackouts are crucial during air raids as they create challenges for enemy aircraft. The document states, “The anxiety level of the enemy pilot in the cockpit would be more if the area is dark.” This highlights the strategic importance of these drills in enhancing national security.
In Rajasthan, the mock drill will be conducted in 28 cities, including Bikaner and Jodhpur. A meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, to finalize the drill plans and ensure all necessary preparations are in place. Jodhpur Collector Gaurav Agrawal confirmed that air sirens will be sounded on May 7, followed by public instructions on appropriate responses.
The mock drill will commence with a hooter from the city control room, signaling residents to switch off all lights—household, street, and vehicle lights. This blackout measure is designed to prevent enemy forces from identifying locations through illuminated areas.
Citizens are encouraged to participate actively in the drills, which will include training on mutual assistance and first aid. Special attention will be given to sensitive locations such as airports, railway stations, and hospitals, ensuring that emergency response teams are well-prepared for any potential crisis.
Officials have reassured the public that this exercise is not a sign of impending conflict but rather a proactive measure to enhance civil preparedness. The last extensive civil defence drills in India were conducted during the 1971 conflict, making this upcoming exercise particularly significant.
The government has advised citizens to remain calm during the drills, keep essential supplies like water and medicines ready, and avoid sharing unverified information on social media. Listening to official government channels for updates is also encouraged to ensure accurate information dissemination.
As the nation gears up for this unprecedented exercise, the focus remains on creating a systematic approach to emergency preparedness. The mock drills are essential for reducing panic, avoiding confusion, and ultimately saving lives by increasing awareness and readiness among the civilian population.
In conclusion, the nationwide civil defence mock drill on May 7 represents a critical step in enhancing India's preparedness for potential threats. With the participation of citizens and authorities alike, this initiative aims to foster a culture of safety and resilience in the face of adversity.
