Nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drills to Begin at 4 PM Today: Key Dos and Don’ts You Should Know

In a significant national security initiative, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has mandated civil defence mock drills across 244 districts in India today, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. This nationwide exercise, the first of its kind in decades, aims to enhance public preparedness in the face of escalating tensions following India’s recent military actions in Pakistan. The drills are scheduled to commence at 4 PM IST and will involve various emergency response simulations, including air raid warnings, blackouts, and evacuation procedures.

🕓 Drill Schedule and Locations
Delhi: ‘Operation Abhyaas’ will take place at 55 locations across all 11 districts, featuring the activation of 60 air raid sirens at 4 PM. The drill will simulate scenarios such as air raids, fires, and search-and-rescue operations. Schools have been instructed to conduct training sessions for students and teachers on disaster response.

Maharashtra: Mock drills will be conducted at 16 locations across 10 districts, including Mumbai, Pune, and Thane. Over 10,000 volunteers from civil defence, National Cadet Corps (NCC), and Home Guard will participate. The drills will simulate emergency situations like air raids and fires.

Uttar Pradesh: A full-scale civil defence mock drill will be carried out across all districts, involving police, fire services, disaster response forces, and local administrations. In Lucknow, a rehearsal was held on Tuesday at the police lines area, simulating a bomb blast scenario.

Kerala: Mock drills will be conducted in 14 districts, focusing on civil defence measures and public safety.

Gujarat: Mock drills will be held in 18 districts, with citizens participating in blackout drills by switching off lights between 7:30 PM and 8 PM.

Karnataka: Mock drills will be conducted in Bengaluru, Karwar, and Raichur, addressing new and complex threats amid rising tensions.

Rajasthan: Barmer district, sharing a border with Pakistan, has stepped up preparations for a major mock drill, involving officials and residents in civil defence measures.

Assam: An extensive mock drill will be carried out across 14 ‘civil defence districts’ to assess emergency preparedness.

Andhra Pradesh: In Visakhapatnam, drills will be conducted at two locations: Kotha Jalaripeta and Oxygen Towers.

Uttarakhand: Dehradun is preparing for a civil defence mock drill, including simulating air raid sirens, blackouts, and evacuation plans.

✅ Dos During the Drill
Stay Informed: Pay attention to air raid sirens and public announcements.

Follow Instructions: Adhere to guidance from authorities and emergency responders.

Participate Actively: Engage in evacuation drills and other simulated emergency procedures.

Ensure Safety: Help others, especially the elderly and children, to follow safety protocols.

Report Issues: Inform authorities of any hazards or problems encountered during the drill.

❌ Don’ts During the Drill
Panic: Remain calm and composed throughout the exercise.

Ignore Instructions: Disregarding official directives can hinder the effectiveness of the drill.

Engage in Unnecessary Activities: Avoid non-essential tasks that could distract from the drill’s objectives.

Spread Rumors: Do not disseminate unverified information that could cause confusion.

🗣️ Public Awareness and Participation
The MHA has emphasized the importance of public cooperation in these drills. Citizens are encouraged to actively participate and familiarize themselves with emergency procedures. Educational institutions have been provided with resources to train students and staff on disaster response. Community involvement is crucial in ensuring the success of these preparedness exercises.

📌 Important Notes
Timing: The drills will commence at 4 PM IST sharp.

Duration: Each drill is expected to last approximately 30 minutes.

Participation: All residents, students, and employees are encouraged to engage in the exercises.

Safety: While the drills simulate emergency scenarios, actual safety measures will be in place to ensure participant well-being.

These mock drills are part of a broader effort to enhance national security preparedness in light of recent military actions and rising tensions in the region. By participating, citizens contribute to building a more resilient and responsive community.