Mock drill in Maharashtra on May 7: Full list of districts where exercise will be conducted
New Delhi: Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, the Centre on Monday directed all states and Union Territories to conduct mock drills on May 7 and strengthen civil defence mechanisms across 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts in the event of a hostile attack. States and UTs have been asked to operationalise air raid warning sirens, implement crash blackout measures in selected areas and train civilians, including students, on safety protocols to follow during an aerial or ground assault.
What will happen during the mock drill?
The mock drill will include things like testing air-raid sirens, cleaning bunkers and trenches, and training people on how to stay safe if there is an attack. Other steps include switching off lights in certain areas (called a crash blackout), hiding important buildings with concealment and making sure evacuation plans are ready and practiced.
Officials will also test hotline and radio communication systems with the Indian Air Force. Control rooms and shadow control rooms will also be checked to make sure they are working well.
Where in Maharashtra will the mock drill happen?
The drill will take place in several cities across Maharashtra. These cities are divided into three categories:
Category 1- (Highly sensitive areas):
Mumbai, Uran (where the JNPT port is), and Tarapur (home to a nuclear facility).
Category 2- (Major cities):
Pune, Nashik, Thane, Sinnar, Thal Vaishet, and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Category 3- (Other important areas):
Aurangabad, Bhusawal, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg.
What does this mean for the public?
This mock drill is not a reason to panic. It is a way to make sure that both people and the authorities are ready for any kind of emergency. The exercise will help improve planning and acknowledgment.
Who will take part?
The drill will include Civil Defence teams, Home Guards, NCC and NSS volunteers, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) members, and students from schools and colleges. It will be done in Civil Defence districts, areas particularly chosen to prepare and manage emergency responses.
Why now?
Although these drills have been part of Indian law since 1968, the recent confrontation after the Pahalgam attack have made them more important. Civil Defence districts help train people, prepare plans, and make sure that both civilians and security forces work together during a catastrophe.
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