New Delhi: In response to heightened tensions following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives on April 22, 2025, the Indian government has announced a nationwide civil defence mock drill set for May 7, 2025. This exercise will prepare citizens for potential emergencies, simulating war-like conditions across various regions of the country.
The drill, organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), will involve the activation of loud air raid sirens, which will sound for approximately 60 seconds in various cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Pune. These sirens will alert residents to seek shelter, mirroring the urgency of a real attack.
Colonel Fischer, a civil defence expert, advises, "Stay aware of your surroundings. Know the exits. Mentally map two escape routes." He emphasizes that public readiness is crucial, as the recent Pahalgam attack has underscored the necessity for civilian preparedness in the face of rising threats.
This nationwide drill will be the first of its kind since the 1971 Indo-Pak war, marking a significant shift in India's approach to civil defence. The exercise comes after a review meeting held on May 6, 2025, which evaluated the state of civil defence infrastructure and highlighted the urgency of public training for emergency situations, including air raid sirens, blackout protocols, and evacuation routines.
Over 100 civil defence locations across the country have been identified as "highly sensitive," and the mock drill aims to assess and enhance readiness in these areas. The Centre's civil defence guidelines, last updated in 2003, stress the importance of safe water management, emergency kitchens, and the prevention of epidemics through mass inoculations during crises.
In Ferozepur, Punjab, a blackout drill was conducted on May 4, 2025, as part of the preparation for the upcoming national exercise. The drill aimed to help civilians respond calmly and effectively during a crisis, reminiscent of wartime practices from 1971.
Globally, civil defence has evolved into a culture of resilience. For example, in Israel, every home is mandated to have bomb shelters, and citizens are trained to respond immediately to air raid sirens. Similarly, during World War II, Britain enforced complete blackouts to prevent visibility from enemy aircraft.
The psychological toll of war readiness is significant. A report by the Council on Foreign Relations states that "one in five people living in active or recent war zones has depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia." The trauma of such experiences often lingers across generations.
As the mock drill approaches, authorities are taking steps to ensure that citizens are informed and prepared. The Indian government has indicated that, similar to a system tested in the UK in 2023, mobile phones may receive alerts during the drill. This system involved a loud beep and vibration, even if the device was on silent mode.
During the drill, different siren sounds will be used to indicate various situations. A wailing sound, which rises and falls repeatedly, will signal serious dangers like missile strikes or air attacks. Conversely, a flat or steady tone will indicate that the danger has passed.
In preparation for the drill, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed states to conduct full-scale civil defence mock drills. In Maharashtra, for instance, mock drills will take place in key locations, including the Madras Atomic Power Station and various urban areas. Over 10,000 volunteers, including Civil Defence personnel, NCC cadets, and Home Guard members, are expected to participate in these exercises.
The drills are designed not only to test emergency response systems but also to foster a culture of safety and preparedness among the public. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of Maharashtra has stressed the importance of keeping the details of the mock drill confidential to ensure its effectiveness.
In Delhi, the Directorate of Education has instructed all schools to organize training sessions for students and teachers on disaster response, promoting a proactive approach to safety. The civil defence mock drills will be conducted across 14 districts in Kerala, and a full-scale exercise will occur in all districts of Uttar Pradesh.
As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, the need for such preparedness exercises has become increasingly apparent. Following the Pahalgam attack, the Pakistan coalition government has endorsed an 18 percent increase in defence spending, reflecting the ongoing concerns about security in the region.
In conclusion, the nationwide civil defence mock drill on May 7, 2025, represents a critical step in enhancing India's readiness to respond to potential threats. By equipping citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate emergencies, the government aims to foster a culture of resilience and preparedness in the face of uncertainty.
