In a strong response to rising tensions with Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the Union Home Ministry (MHA) has ordered civil defence mock drills across 244 districts in the country. The nationwide exercise is scheduled for May 7 and aims to bolster preparedness among civilians and authorities in the event of a “hostile attack.”
The drills will take place in multiple states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal, among others. The move comes weeks after terrorists opened fire in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam on April 22, killing 26 civilians, most of whom were tourists. The attack has triggered renewed concerns about internal security and the threat of cross-border terrorism.
These are the sites where civil defence drills will happen. Divided in three categories based on threat perception. pic.twitter.com/EEvFv8KQul
— Kaal Chiron काल्किरण (@Kal_Chiron) May 5, 2025
A communication from the MHA to chief secretaries and union territory administrators outlined the objectives of the drill. These include:
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Assessing the effectiveness of air raid warning systems
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Operationalising hotline and radio communication links with the Indian Air Force
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Testing control rooms and shadow control rooms
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Training civilians and students on survival strategies during attacks
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Ensuring crash blackout measures are implemented swiftly
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Camouflaging critical installations at short notice
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Evaluating evacuation plans and rescue readiness
The ministry stated the drill is intended to “verify the activation and response of Civil Defence services, including warden services, firefighting, rescue operations, and depot management.”
This mock drill also aims to test communication efficiency and operational readiness across agencies and sectors. The involvement of schools, civil authorities, and community volunteers is expected to be critical in simulating a real-time emergency scenario.
The decision to conduct such a large-scale preparedness exercise indicates the gravity with which the Centre is viewing the evolving security situation. While these drills are routine in nature, their timing underscores the growing concerns over cross-border threats and internal vulnerabilities.
