In response to escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states and Union Territories to conduct large-scale mock drills on May 7 across 244 civil defence districts. The move follows the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed, and recent missile tests by Pakistan.
According to the MHA’s directive, the drills aim to boost civilian preparedness against “new and complex threats” amid the current geopolitical climate.
Key Objectives of the Mock Drill:
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Test air raid warning systems and blackout protocols.
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Operationalise communication links with the Indian Air Force.
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Activate and assess control rooms and shadow control centres.
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Train civilians, including students, in civil defence and evacuation techniques.
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Camouflage vital installations and rehearse rescue and firefighting operations.
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Ensure community-level readiness down to the village level.
Who Will Be Involved?
The exercise will see participation from:
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Civil defence wardens and district controllers
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Home Guards, NCC, NSS, and NYKS
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Students from schools and colleges
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Local volunteers and authorities
The Home Ministry clarified that these drills are intended to strengthen India’s civilian defence posture and prepare for emergencies in light of evolving national security threats.
