Delhi mock drill time today: Full schedule, areas covered, and what to expect during the city-wide emergency exercise

Time of India

07-05-2025

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Delhi has started a large-scale civil defence mock drill at 55 locations across the city from 4 pm on Wednesday, as part of the nationwide exercise ' Operation Abhyaas '.The drill, directed by the central government, is designed to prepare citizens and authorities for possible emergency situations following rising tensions with Pakistan.Officials said the exercise will simulate different hostile scenarios, including air raids, fire breakouts, and search and rescue operations. Sirens are being sounded across all 15 police districts, and residents may notice increased police presence and activity in several areas.The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed all states to carry out similar drills due to "new and complex threats" following the Pahalgam terror attack.On Tuesday, Delhi Police stepped up security by raising barricades at key locations like Connaught Place and near Parliament.They also brought in Long-Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs), which can transmit messages over distances of up to one kilometre. These devices will help in crowd control and emergency announcements.Officials have selected five key sites in each of Delhi's 11 revenue districts, including markets, schools, residential colonies, government offices, and hospitals.Around 2,000 civil defence volunteers and 1,200 trained disaster response workers known as 'Aapda Mitras' are involved in the drill.Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Delhi is 'fully prepared' and that all actions are being taken as per central government guidelines.Officials confirmed that the mock drills will continue over the next two weeks and will cover the entire city.In addition, 650 schools across Delhi are taking part. Students and teachers are being trained on how to respond during emergencies such as blackouts or air raids.Videos and training materials have also been shared with schools and the public.Police have increased day and night patrols, especially at popular public places like India Gate, Janpath, Connaught Place and Gole Market. A coordinated response involving the fire department, health services, MCD, civil defence, and other agencies has been planned.Safety shelters have been identified, and the government is testing how quickly departments can respond during a crisis. The power department has also discussed possible blackout drills, although full implementation may not be feasible right now.Inputs from agencies