Civil defence mock drills in India: From Delhi to Mumbai - 10+ jaw-dropping photos of nationwide exercises

Time of India

07-05-2025

Civil defence mock drills in India: In light of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after the launch of Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, mock drill exercises are being conducted across India. These drills, known as Operation Abhyas, are part of an extensive civil defence programme aimed at preparing the public and emergency services for various potential threats. Today, this nationwide operation is being carried out in over 244 districts, including major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
Watch - Operation Sindoor: How Pakistan and China reacted to India's strike
Civil Defence Mock Drills: A Key National Security Measure
The primary objective of these civil defence mock drills is to simulate real-world scenarios, where the nation faces crises such as air raids, fire emergencies, or terror attacks. By practising mock drill exercises, India aims to enhance public awareness and improve the response time of emergency services. These exercises are essential to maintain readiness and ensure the safety of civilians during unexpected attacks or disasters.
Operation Abhyas: A Nationwide Drill
Operation Abhyas, which is being conducted in several parts of the country, simulates multiple hostile scenarios. These include:
Air raid warnings and activation of sirens
Urban fire emergencies
Search and rescue operations
Casualty evacuation
Setting up temporary hospitals
Evacuating civilians to safety zones or bunkers
The exercise follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure proper safety and organisation. For instance, once an air raid warning is issued, the public is advised to seek immediate shelter, shut curtains, stay indoors, and cut off gas and electrical supplies. Vehicular traffic is also halted, and citizens are expected to follow further instructions for their safety.
Key Locations for Mock Drill Exercises Across India
This national security exercise spans several cities, with various drills taking place throughout India. Here's a glimpse of the major cities where mock drills are being conducted:
Jabalpur: Water Drill on the Narmada River
Jabalpur Mock drills | Credit: IANS
In Jabalpur, a water drill was carried out on the Narmada River as part of the mock drill. Participants held India's national flags during the exercise, which is just one example of how diverse these drills can be in preparing for different emergencies.
Prayagraj: Students Engaged in Mock Drill Simulations
Prayagraj Mock Drill | Credit: IANS
In Prayagraj, civil defence workers demonstrated emergency response skills by carrying students during the mock drill. The drill focused on safety procedures and evacuation techniques that could be used in real-life emergencies.
Lucknow: NCC Cadets Practice Emergency Procedures
Lucknow Mock Drill | Credit: BCCL
In Lucknow, NCC cadets participated in a mock drill exercise at Lucknow University. These young cadets were trained on how to respond to different types of crises, such as natural disasters or terror attacks.
New Delhi: School Students Participate in Nationwide Drills
New Delhi mock drill | Credit: BCCL
New Delhi schools took part in an emergency mock drill, where students were trained to evacuate their classrooms in a controlled, safe manner. This drill is part of a broader initiative to teach children about emergency preparedness.
Kolkata: Schoolchildren Take Cover During Mock Drill
Kolkata Mock Drill | Credit: IANS
In Kolkata, schoolchildren took shelter under their benches during the civil defence mock drill. This exercise helped teach them how to stay safe during unexpected situations like airstrikes or bomb threats.
Patna: Security Mock Drill at Airport
Patna mock drill | Credit: ANI
Patna's Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport was the site of a mock drill where CISF personnel conducted security checks. This exercise was aimed at preparing security forces for potential threats, such as terror attacks.
Bengaluru: Police Practice Emergency Procedures
Bengaluru Mock Drill | Credit: IANS
In Bengaluru, police personnel were seen turning on sirens at the VV Tower building during the mock drill. The exercise was designed to simulate a real emergency response, including how to manage public safety and control panic.
Ahmedabad: Firefighters and Paramedics Practice Emergency Responses
Ahmedabad mock drill | Credit: AP
In Ahmedabad, fire brigade personnel and paramedics participated in an emergency mock drill at a local mall. The drill helped prepare emergency services for any potential fire or rescue operation in crowded spaces.
Chennai: CISF Personnel Drill at Chennai Port Trust
Chennai mock drill | Credit: IANS
At the Chennai Port Trust, CISF officers participated in a mock drill to enhance their skills in responding to security threats and managing crisis situations in the port area.
Mumbai: Volunteers Take Part in Emergency Simulation
Mumbai mock drill | Credit: BCCL
In Mumbai, civil defence volunteers took part in a mock drill to simulate emergency evacuation and rescue procedures. The drill trained participants to respond swiftly and safely in the event of a disaster.
Indore: NCC Cadets Train for Airstrike Emergencies
Indore mock drill | Credit: BCCL
Indore hosted a mock drill for NCC cadets at the Police Training College. The exercise focused on teaching cadets how to respond during airstrike alerts, providing valuable hands-on experience in dealing with high-pressure situations.
Mock Drills Across 244 Districts in India: Why They Matter
India's civil defence measures are more critical than ever, especially in light of growing security threats. The mock drill exercises provide practical experience for both civilians and emergency response teams, enabling them to react efficiently in the event of an actual attack or disaster. These drills are spread across 244 districts in India, with a special focus on regions most vulnerable to attacks. West Bengal, Rajasthan, Assam, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir have the highest number of designated civil defence districts.
A Crucial Step in National Security
Mock drills like Operation Abhyas are a testament to India's proactive approach to security and disaster management. With tensions between India and Pakistan at a high, these drills help the public stay alert and prepared for any eventuality. Whether it's air raid warnings, fire emergencies, or evacuations during terror attacks, these drills ensure that India is ready to face any challenge head-on.
Watch - Operation Sindoor planning and execution explained
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