The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has directed mock drills to be carried out across 244 districts on May 7 as part of a large-scale effort to evaluate the country’s civil defence preparedness. This decision follows heightened security measures across India in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The primary objective of the exercise is to train civilians in essential civil defence protocols. The drills will involve procedures such as executing crash blackouts and camouflaging key infrastructure to test readiness for emergency situations.
This marks the first such nationwide exercise since 1971, when India was at war with Pakistan. The mock drills are designed to simulate emergency scenarios in a safe, controlled environment, allowing participants to rehearse appropriate responses without actual danger. These rehearsals aim to enhance public awareness of the steps they should take during real emergencies.
As part of the simulation, security forces may enact a war-like scenario in selected areas. Residents in these regions could experience brief power outages or disruptions in mobile and internet services. The drill may also include building evacuations, first-aid demonstrations, and lockdown protocol exercises to ensure comprehensive preparedness across communities.
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What will happen during the mock drill?
The upcoming civil defence drill is designed to evaluate several key components of emergency preparedness. One of its main goals is to assess how effectively air raid sirens can alert the public to potential threats. It also aims to train civilians to respond swiftly to hostile situations using basic civil defence techniques.
As part of the exercise, communication systems between civil authorities and the Indian Air Force—including hotline and radio links—will be tested. The performance of emergency control rooms and auxiliary "shadow rooms" will also be evaluated to ensure operational readiness.
To simulate war-like conditions, the drill will include crash blackout procedures. Emergency response teams, including firefighters and rescue personnel, will be assessed on their ability to manage crisis scenarios. Evacuation plans will be rehearsed to test the smooth movement of civilians from danger zones to safe areas.
- Civilians will be trained in basic first-aid, the use of firefighting equipment, and other essential emergency response skills.
- Chandigarh is among the locations participating in the May 7 drill. Residents should keep the following in mind during the exercise:
- Avoid entering areas that have been cordoned off for the drill.
- Keep an emergency kit ready, including essentials like drinking water, a flashlight, and basic medical supplies.
- Pay attention only to official information shared via the internet, radio, or television.
- Remain calm at all times. If sirens sound or blackout measures are enacted, do not panic.
- Follow the directions of police, civil defence officials, or trained volunteers.
These mock drills, being held across several districts, are a crucial step in building nationwide preparedness for real emergencies. The feedback gathered from this exercise will help authorities identify challenges faced by civilians and make necessary improvements for future response efforts.
Also Read: Mock drill in five Jharkhand districts on May 7
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