In an unprecedented move since the Indo-Pak war of 1971, the Indian government is set to conduct a nationwide civil defence mock drill on 7 May 2025, aimed at preparing civilians and authorities for potential wartime scenarios or hostile attacks.
The exercise, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on 5 May 2025, will be conducted across 250 locations in 33 states and union territories, including major centres like Delhi, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Goa, and Tamil Nadu. This decision comes just weeks after the terror attack in Pahalgam, underscoring the growing emphasis on national security preparedness.
What Will Happen During The Drill?
The drill will simulate wartime conditions, including air raid sirens, blackout protocols, and evacuation rehearsals. A key aspect will be public participation, especially from school and college students, to test the effectiveness of emergency response systems and civil awareness.
Key activities include:
- Air Raid Sirens & Communication Tests: Sirens will sound nationwide to simulate an imminent aerial attack. Communication lines with the Indian Air Force will be activated to assess readiness and coordination.
- Control Room Checks: Emergency control rooms will be tested for response efficiency and communication capabilities in handling mock emergency scenarios.
- Civilian & Student Training: Citizens will be trained in basic civil defence techniques, including how to take shelter, respond to sirens, and administer basic first aid.
- Crash Blackout Simulations: Entire neighborhoods and cities will participate in blackout exercises, turning off lights and blocking visibility to simulate conditions during enemy surveillance or aerial strikes.
- Camouflaging Strategic Infrastructure: Power stations, fuel depots, and telecom towers will undergo mock camouflaging using nets and natural materials to avoid detection.
- Evacuation Drills: Authorities will rehearse evacuation plans in high-risk areas. Shelters such as bunkers and underground spaces will be cleaned and prepared, while Civil Defence Services—including fire brigades, rescue teams, and depot staff—will be fully mobilized.
Citizen Guidelines: How To Participate
The government has released a Civil Defence Mock Drill Preparation Guide to help citizens understand their role. Here are the key steps for public participation:
Air Raid Sirens:
- Recognize siren patterns (long wails for alert, short bursts for all-clear).
- Identify your nearest shelter or safe zone.
- Keep an emergency kit with a flashlight, food, water, and first-aid supplies.
Training Participation:
- Attend local training sessions.
- Teach children to take cover, identify safe spaces, and apply basic first aid.
Blackout Measures:
- Use blackout curtains or dark materials to block light.
- Turn off lights and electronic devices during the drill.
- Avoid outdoor movement during blackout periods.
Camouflage Support:
- Stay away from restricted areas during the camouflaging exercise.
- Avoid posting or photographing strategic locations or drills on social media.
Evacuation Preparation:
- Learn your nearest evacuation route.
- Pack a “go-bag” with ID, medicines, snacks, and contact information.
- Participate calmly in evacuation rehearsals and assist vulnerable individuals.
How It Differs From Disaster Drills
Unlike regular local fire or earthquake drills, this exercise simulates full-scale wartime conditions, including direct military coordination, public blackouts, strategic camouflaging, and national-level mobilisation.
According to MHA officials, the drill’s objectives are to test air raid warning systems, improve civilian-military coordination, train the public in wartime survival, and evaluate the readiness of India’s civil defence network.
Citizens are encouraged to stay updated through local authorities and media channels, and actively participate to enhance collective preparedness in the face of emerging security threats.
(With inputs from Business Today)
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