Blackout, Air Sirens, And More: What Happens In May 7 Security Drills? Dos And Don'ts Explained
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Officials have advised the public to keep essential items ready, such as first-aid kits, torches, candles, and some cash in case digital payment systems fail
India is set to conduct a nationwide civil defence mock drill on Wednesday, 7 May, across 244 districts. This large-scale exercise comes amid heightened tensions with Pakistan following the terror attack in Pahalgam last month.
The drill will simulate wartime scenarios, including air raid sirens, blackouts, and emergency response protocols. It marks the first national-level civil defence preparedness activity since the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
The Union Home Ministry had on Monday instructed all states and Union Territories to carry out the drill, citing 'new and complex threats" following the 22 April attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed.
Key Focus Areas
The mock drill aims to raise public awareness and preparedness in case of hostile attacks. Citizens will be guided on how to respond to air raid sirens, manage during blackouts, and follow evacuation procedures.
Officials have advised the public to keep essential items ready, such as first-aid kits, torches, candles, and some cash in case digital payment systems fail.
The Civil Defence Mock Drill – Preparation, Not Panic!India is rolling out Civil Defence Mock Drills nationwide on 7th May 2025 — routine exercises to test our emergency systems.
No chaos. No confusion. Just smart preparedness in motion.
Here's what you need to know.… pic.twitter.com/NVtDiIBExq
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) May 6, 2025
Operationalising Hotlines and Radio Links with the Indian Air Force (IAF): War sirens will be tested in sensitive areas to ensure readiness during an air raid.
Civilian and Student Training: Citizens, including students, will be trained in basic civil defence measures. This is especially vital for younger generations with no experience of war.
Implementing Blackout Protocols: Full blackout procedures will be tested in cities and villages to prepare for possible air strikes.
Camouflaging Vital Installations: Efforts will be made to shield key infrastructure from potential enemy targeting.
Evacuation Plan Testing: Evacuation procedures will be rehearsed to check how efficiently people can be moved from vulnerable areas.
Key Participants
Volunteer Participation
Sources told PTI that around 6 lakh volunteers are expected to participate, although the actual number may be higher.
States have been instructed to involve a wide range of stakeholders, including students, government and private employees, hospital staff, metro and railway officials, as well as police, paramilitary, and defence personnel.
Vulnerable locations include major metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, along with border towns and areas with critical infrastructure like nuclear facilities.
According to officials, this drill will help identify any gaps in preparedness, which will then be promptly addressed. The process of reviewing critical sites will continue over the next three days.
What Does The Mock Drill Entail?
Civil Defence is governed by the Civil Defence Act. Under this act, the District Magistrate (DM) or the district collector is assigned the nodal officer for civil defence in each district.
Starting Wednesday (May 7), the DMs will revisit the list of civil defence volunteers and update the contact numbers and names which will be prepared in case of any emergency.
An official said that vulnerable districts throughout India have been identified and the collectors will lead the drill on Wednesday in these districts.
(With inputs from agencies)
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New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
May 06, 2025, 21:27 IST
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