In a nationwide effort to boost emergency preparedness, over 240 districts across India, including key urban centers like Delhi and Mumbai, will participate in a large-scale civil defence mock drill on Tuesday, May 7, 2025. The drill comes amid growing national security concerns and aims to prepare both civilians and authorities for potential wartime emergencies.
What’s Happening on May 7?
The Ministry of Home Affairs has confirmed that a coordinated mock drill will be conducted in 244 civil defence districts across the country. The goal is to simulate emergency scenarios such as air raids, blackouts, and mass evacuations—allowing government agencies and the general public to rehearse safety protocols in a controlled environment.
Why Now?
The timing of the drill follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. While officials stress that this is a precautionary exercise, the message is clear: readiness saves lives. This is one of the most extensive emergency preparedness operations since the 1971 war.
Key Features of the Drill
- Simulated Air Raid Alerts: Sirens will be tested in multiple areas, prompting residents to take cover as part of the simulation.
- Blackout Practice: Households and businesses may be asked to switch off lights to mimic wartime blackout scenarios.
- Public Evacuation Drills: Schools, hospitals, and public offices will participate in planned evacuation exercises.
- Emergency Response Coordination: Agencies will test their ability to communicate, mobilize, and respond under pressure.
What Citizens Should Do
Local administrations will issue specific guidelines, but in general, citizens are encouraged to:
- Stay indoors during sirens.
- Keep emergency kits ready (including water, torch, medicines, and some cash).
- Follow instructions from local authorities without panic.
- Switch off non-essential appliances if asked during blackout drills.
Participating Areas
While every state has at least one district involved, some of the major participating regions include:
- Delhi: All districts.
- Maharashtra: Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Nashik, and others.
- Punjab: Ludhiana, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Pathankot, and more.
- Uttar Pradesh: All districts.
- Karnataka: Bengaluru, Karwar, Raichur.
- Odisha: Bhubaneswar, Puri, Angul, and more.
- Madhya Pradesh: Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior.
- Sikkim: Gangtok, Singtam.
- Manipur: Imphal West.
- Chandigarh: Entire Union Territory.
A full list of districts can be found through official civil defence notifications.
What This Means for India
This drill isn’t just about preparing for war—it’s about creating a culture of awareness. In an era where threats can come in many forms, from terrorism to natural disasters, exercises like this ensure that both authorities and civilians are alert, informed, and capable of handling crisis situations.
Authorities are urging people not to panic, but to participate responsibly. As one senior official put it, “Preparedness is not a sign of fear; it’s a sign of strength.”
