Civil Defense Mock Drills: Search & Rescue Drills Underway At BHEL In Bhopal; Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior & Katni Too Carry Out Mock Drills Across Several Locations

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): After the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 people had lost their lives, the Indian government has started nationwide mock drills to help the people prepare for emergency and war like situations. These drills are being held across the country, following the completion of Operation Sindoor- a military response to the attack.

The drills, which began on Wednesday across several states and union territories, are meant to simulate hostile scenarios such as air raids, blackouts, and mass evacuations. With increasing tensions between India and Pakistan, officials said that these exercises are a critical step toward ensuring civilian readiness.

In line with the nationwide exercise, civil defense mock drill was also reported in five shortlisted cities of Madhya Pradesh—Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior and Katni. These drills help people prepare for extreme situations.

Search & Rescue drills were conducted at BHEL, Fire & Evacuation drills at DB Mall, Emergency Medical Response at Nutan College, building collapse drill Kokta Multi and mass evacuation practice at New Market.

Similarly, in Indore mock drills are being held at Govt Dental College, Residency Kothi and MGM Medical College. A blackout coverage has been scheduled between 7:30 to 7:45 PM.

The safety and evacuation drills were conducted at Samdariya Mall in Jabalpur.

What the Drills Include

• Air raid sirens being tested across cities and villages to familiarize people with warning signals.

• Blackout simulations where lights are cut off in areas to prepare citizens for movement during power outages.

• Evacuation rehearsals and on-the-ground guidance for citizens to reach safe zones.

• Training workshops in schools, workplaces, and residential areas, where civilians are learning to use fire extinguishers, perform CPR, administer first aid , and assist others during a crisis.

• Camouflaging of vital installations, such as power plants and communication hubs, to protect them from enemy surveillance.

Police, local authorities, disaster response teams, and NCC volunteers are supporting the exercises, especially in border and high-risk areas. Participation from students, teachers, office workers, and local residents has also been seen

Union Home Ministry officials emphasised that the drills are not meant to cause panic but to build awareness and readiness. "This is not about fear, It is about education and survival," said a senior MHA representative.  The government aims to ensure that every citizen must know how to respond in a emergency situation

news