Attention Punekars! 85 Sirens Installed For Civil Defence Mock Drill, No Blackout – Here’s What Will Happen, Why It’s Crucial For Your Safety

Pune Civil Defence officials on Tuesday started activating the emergency response system by testing some 85 sirens installed across the city.

The Union Home Ministry has directed all states to carry out mock drills on Wednesday due to rising tensions with Pakistan and the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The ministry said the drills are necessary to prepare for new and more complex threats.

Yogesh Pardeshi, divisional warden of the Kothrud division of Civil Defence, said that testing of sirens has begun. “Our team is checking each location to make sure the sirens are working properly,” he said.

Civil Defence volunteers are also working with different departments like the disaster management cell, fire brigade, police, defence forces, and medical services to get ready for the full mock drill.

Vitthal Banaute, an officer from the district disaster management cell, said a meeting has been held with all key departments—Civil Defence, police, local administration, defence, health officials, and fire services—to finalize the preparations.

Why Is the Drill Happening Now?

Amid escalating regional threats, especially on India’s western and northern borders, the government has emphasised the need for “optimum Civil Defence preparedness.” The notification explicitly references the evolving nature of national security risks, stating that states must remain ready to handle emergencies like air raids, internal disruptions, or full-scale attacks.

Senior officials in the Ministry say this is the most expansive civilian defence mobilisation effort since the Cold War era, signaling a shift in India’s internal security posture.

What Does The Drill Involve?

The mock drill will unfold across multiple levels, from districts to village clusters, and will simulate scenarios like air strikes, mass evacuations, and communication blackouts. Local administrations are expected to conduct these drills with public and institutional participation.

Key participants will include Civil Defence wardens, Home Guard volunteers (active and reservists), members of the NCC, NSS, NYKS, and students from schools and colleges.

Key Measures to Be Tested:

Air Raid Siren Activation: Designated towns will test their air raid warning systems to alert civilians in case of an aerial attack. This is aimed at ensuring that alert infrastructure is functional and can trigger swift public sheltering.

Civilian Training: Workshops and drills in schools and public institutions will focus on how civilians can react during a hostile event, covering everything from basic first aid to emergency evacuation steps.

Blackout Protocols: Cities and installations will undergo blackout exercises to test their ability to "go dark" in minutes. This includes turning off all lights and electronic signals to avoid detection by enemy reconnaissance.

Camouflage Exercises: Strategic installations, such as power stations, defence infrastructure, and communication hubs, will be camouflaged to assess how quickly and effectively such assets can be concealed from enemy targeting.

Evacuation Drills: Dry runs of evacuation plans will be held to identify flaws in existing procedures and to ensure smooth movement of people from high-risk zones to safer areas.

Officials have stated that the aim is not just operational testing, but also public awareness and engagement. “This exercise is about empowering people to be part of national defence—not just the armed forces,” said an MHA official.

What will Pune mock drill have?

Amid the high tension between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, a joint staff of security forces and student wings will join hands for a mock drill on how to stay alert and protect oneself during wartime situations.

During a press conference on Tuesday at the Collector’s office, District Collector Jitendra Dudi said, In the evening, the mock drill will begin on May 7 at three locations: Mulshi, Talegaon, and the Council Hall in Pune city.

In this practice session, the fire department, health staff, and NDRF team will be involved.

The siren will sound, indicating bombing, so people will take safety measures. Those who fail to take safety will participate in a coordination exercise for various departments on how to work together to ensure public safety.

Pune plays a very crucial role in overseeing the defense system. The main objective behind the practice is to teach how to protect citizens during critical times.

The drill will also cover how to handle arms and how to assist others. Students from NCC, NSS, and officers from various departments will participate in the mock drill.

A special room has been created for the district administration and armed forces. Since 1965, the mock drill has been conducted, although it has been fixed at only three locations and is scheduled to be completed within an hour.

District Collector informed that there will be no blackout in Pune during the mock drill.

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