India Pakistan war: Delhi, Lucknow, Srinagar, Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar, Amaravati, how India is preparing for May 7 mock drill
New Delhi: Amid the volatile, unpredictable situation and tension between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Union Home Ministry (MHA) on Monday, 05 May 2025, asked states and Union Territories (UTs) to conduct mock drills on Wednesday, May 7 for effective civil defence.
Purpose of mock drill
According to the MHA sources, the measures to be undertaken include operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens and training of civilians, students, among others on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. The measures also include the provision of crash blackout measures, provision for early camouflaging of vital installations and updation of the evacuation plan and its rehearsal.
The exercise will involve the implementation of crash blackout measures, simulating a power-outage scenario to reduce visibility during potential air raids. Authorities have been instructed to ensure early camouflaging of vital installations and strategic infrastructure as part of the preparedness effort. Additionally, the drills will include the updating and rehearsal of evacuation plans to ensure a swift and orderly response in the event of an emergency.
At which places mock drill will be conducted
The mock drill is expected to be conducted across 244 Civil Defence districts in 9 States and Union Territories at few selected sites to be decided by local administration. These 244 districts are located across India, including border states of Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, and the North East. At least 100 of the 244 locations have been identified as highly sensitive.
Exact details about the task will be known come after the meeting of Home Secretary Govind Mohan to coordinate civil defence preparedness across the country. It will be discussed how to train civilians for emergency scenarios, according to news reports. Public response to air raid sirens, actions to take during blackouts, and the readiness of essential supplies.
Air raid warning sirens, crash blackout
During the drills, air raid warning sirens will be activated while civilians and students will be trained in civil defence to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. In some areas, the measures would also include a crash blackout, early camouflaging of vital installations and updating of evacuation plans and their rehearsal. The last such drill was conducted in India in 1971, ahead of the India-Pakistan war.
Significance of the mock drill
The purpose behind the mock drill is to prepare citizens and authorities for any war like situation.
It is not a sign of panic
Officials will assess the outcome and make improvements if needed. As mentioned, the drills will be carried out across officially notified Civil Defence districts in coordination with district authorities.
Participants include:
- Civil Defence wardens
- Home Guards
- National Cadet Corps (NCC)
- National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers
- Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) members
- Students from schools and colleges
Power cuts, blackout simulations
There might be short-term power cuts, suspension of mobile signals, blackout simulations, loud sirens, and restricted access to certain public areas, police and paramilitary forces may simulate a war-like emergency, traffic may also be diverted temporarily in some cities. Authorities may also conduct evacuation exercises or hold public announcements.
All these exercises are a part of the drill and not real life situations.
Major components
Camouflage Exercises: Critical installations, including communication towers, power plants, and military areas, will undergo camouflage operations to test concealment techniques from aerial or satellite monitoring.
Crash Blackouts: Cities may switch off visible lights to mimic blackout conditions used during wars. This reduces the risk of detection during night-time airstrikes.
Air Raid Sirens: Sirens will be activated to check public alert systems. These serve as warnings in case of incoming aerial threats, allowing people time to take cover.
Evacuation Drills: Authorities will simulate evacuations from high-risk zones to safer locations. These drills help identify logistical issues and improve response time.
Civilian Training Sessions: Schools, colleges, and community centres will host awareness sessions. These will teach people how to find shelter, use basic first aid, and stay calm during emergencies.
Major cities preparing for mock drill
Delhi: The Delhi government is finalising a list of sites where these drills will be carried out on Wednesday.
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Civil Defence, Police and local administration rehearsed a mock drill exercise in Lucknow’s Police Lines, following MHA’s order for nationwide mock drills on May 7.
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: Srinagar Police and teams of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) conducted a comprehensive mock drill in Dal Lake on Tuesday, 06 May 2025. The exercise focused on response preparedness for contingency scenarios like boat capsizing and drowning incidents.
Chandigarh, Punjab: Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Mock drills will be conducted in 20 districts of the state. Teams of Civil Defence, Punjab Police, along with the Union Home Ministry will conduct mock drills tomorrow. We have to protect our 500km border and citizens.”
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