On May 7, 2025, various districts in Rajasthan will participate in a coordinated air raid mock drill as part of an extensive emergency preparedness campaign initiated by the state. This large-scale operation aims to enhance public readiness and improve inter-agency coordination in the event of aerial attacks, especially in light of the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.
Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant has directed all district administrations to ensure the proper functioning of communication systems and sirens during the drill. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among departments to ensure the smooth execution of the exercise. "This exercise is not merely procedural — it is a vital step in strengthening our emergency response framework," he stated.
In Jaipur, the simulation designed to mimic an actual aerial strike will see 10 sirens activated across eight strategic locations in the city. These locations include Raj Bhavan, the secretariat, the BSNL office on MI Road, the DSO office at the collectorate, Chandpole, Shastri Nagar, Chaugan Stadium, and Sanganeri Gate. The drill will feature a 10-20 minute blackout in the evening to evaluate emergency response capabilities under low-visibility conditions.
District Collector Dr. Jitendra Kumar Soni urged residents to remain calm during the exercise, explaining that it is crucial for ensuring public readiness and coordination among various agencies should a real emergency occur.
Kota and Rawatbhata have been designated as high-sensitivity areas due to their critical infrastructure. Kota, which houses a thermal power plant and uranium storage facilities, will conduct drills using citywide sirens. Meanwhile, Rawatbhata, home to a nuclear power facility, has implemented enhanced monitoring and inter-agency coordination protocols.
The western border districts of Barmer, Jaisalmer, Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, and Anupgarh are under particular focus due to their proximity to Pakistan. Barmer has deployed over 1,000 civil defense personnel and established a dedicated control room at the collectorate. The Border Security Force (BSF) is working closely with local authorities to monitor border activities.
In Jodhpur, 500 civil defense volunteers will participate in simulations involving coordinated responses from fire, police, and medical services. Authorities have restricted drone operations across these sensitive areas during the exercise period. Local officials emphasize that these drills are preventive measures to ensure public safety and improve emergency response capabilities.
As part of the nationwide initiative, a large-scale mock drill will be conducted in 28 cities across Rajasthan, following instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs. This drill aims to assess preparedness and response in the event of wartime air attacks. Cities have been categorized into three sensitivity levels: Kota and Rawatbhata are considered the most sensitive, while 18 cities, including Jaipur, are moderately sensitive, and eight others fall into the least sensitive category.
Preparations for the drill began in cities such as Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner, where sirens were tested earlier this week. The district administration in Sri Ganganagar has imposed a ban on drone operations, categorizing the region into red, yellow, and green zones for drone regulation. The red zone includes areas within 25 km of the India-Pakistan border, Air Force and Army zones, VIP areas, power plants, and critical government installations. In Jaipur, the mock drill is scheduled to take place at 4 p.m., with sirens sounded at numerous locations including the Collectorate, Shastri Nagar, and the BSNL Office on MI Road.
In Barmer, more than 1,100 civil defense personnel have been deployed to support the drill, and authorities have reviewed siren installations and operational readiness across the district. Rehearsals for the drill have also been held in schools and hostels in Jaisalmer, where students received training on how to respond during air raid alerts.
Jodhpur Collector Gaurav Agarwal announced that a full-scale mock drill simulating an air attack will take place in the city, with civil defense volunteers educating the public on safety protocols and emergency preparedness. Approximately 400 civil defense volunteers in Jodhpur have been briefed on their responsibilities during the exercise.
As the nation prepares for these drills, questions have arisen regarding the potential impact on daily life. Officials have clarified that all schools, colleges, government offices, and other institutions will remain open during the drills, which are designed to minimize disruption to the public. The mock drill is intended as a practice exercise for handling emergency situations, and authorities have appealed to the public to stay away from rumors and follow official instructions.
Moreover, the Indian Air Force will conduct war exercises on the Pakistan border on May 7 and 8, 2025, further emphasizing the need for heightened preparedness in the region. The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed all states and Union Territories to strengthen their civil defense measures in response to new and complex threats.
This comprehensive campaign is one of the largest emergency preparedness operations in the region in decades, reflecting the government's commitment to ensuring public safety and readiness in the face of potential threats. As the drills commence, officials remain hopeful that the exercises will enhance community resilience and ensure effective responses to any future emergencies.
