In response to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has mandated civil defence mock drills across 244 districts nationwide on May 7, 2025. These drills aim to test wartime standard operating procedures (SOPs), including air raid warning systems, blackout practices, evacuation protocols, and infrastructure camouflage.
Overview of the Drill
Date: May 7, 2025
Purpose: To enhance civil defence readiness amid current geopolitical threats
Key Activities:
Testing air raid sirens
Practicing complete blackouts
Evacuation and relocation rehearsals
Camouflage and concealment of critical infrastructure
Districts and Regions Covered
The drills cover 244 civil defence districts across India, categorized into three sensitivity levels based on strategic importance:
Category 1 (Highly Sensitive Zones): 13 districts including major metropolitan and strategic locations
Category 2: 201 districts, covering important urban and semi-urban centers
Category 3: 45 districts, including smaller towns and rural areas
States and Key Locations Involved
Border States: Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat
Other States: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and several others
Maharashtra Specifics:
Category 1: Mumbai, Uran (JNPT port), Tarapur (nuclear facility)
Category 2: Pune, Nashik, Thane, Roha-Nagothane, Manmad, Sinnar, Thal Vaishet, Pimpri-Chinchwad
Category 3: Aurangabad, Bhusawal, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg
Importance of the Drills
These exercises come after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. The government is focusing on identifying and rectifying loopholes in preparedness and ensuring that civil defence mechanisms are robust and effective in the event of any hostile incidents.
Additional Details
The Air Force will sound air raid alerts to test siren functionality.
Blackout drills will simulate mass concealment to prepare civilians for emergencies.
The drills are part of the largest civil defence mobilization in recent years, reflecting the heightened security environment.
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