Mock Drill in India: Nationwide Civil Defence Exercise Begins Amid India-Pakistan Tensions (Watch Video)

A nationwide mock drill named "Operation Abhyas" is being carried out across 35 states and Union Territories in the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The drill, directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), aims to test preparedness against potential security threats. It includes simulations of air raids, blackouts, and evacuation procedures. The nationwide activity is designed to strengthen coordination between civil defence systems, emergency services, and public response. Air raid sirens were activated to signal mock alerts. In many cities, visible lights were turned off to simulate blackout conditions during possible aerial attacks.

Evacuation drills are also being carried out to move people from high-risk areas to safer zones. The MHA had asked states and Union Territories to conduct these drills in response to rising security concerns following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The mock drills involve 244 districts across India, particularly in areas vulnerable to security threats. Participants include Civil Defence wardens, Home Guard personnel, National Cadet Corps (NCC) members, students, and volunteers from organisations such as Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and the National Service Scheme (NSS).

Key activities during the drill included:

• Air Raid Sirens Activation: The sirens were tested to assess the effectiveness of public alert systems in case of aerial threats.

• Crash Blackouts: Cities turned off visible lights as part of blackout drills to reduce vulnerability during night-time airstrikes.

• Camouflage Exercises: Vital infrastructure, including power plants and military installations, underwent camouflage drills to simulate concealment from aerial surveillance.

• Evacuation Drills: The exercise tested evacuation plans, with people being moved from high-risk zones to safer locations.

• Civil Defence Training: Awareness sessions were held at schools, colleges, offices, and community centres, teaching civilians how to find shelter, provide basic first aid, and stay calm during emergencies.

Read Also | Operation Sindoor: How India Crippled Pakistan-Based Terror Camps in 25 Minutes—9 Camps Destroyed, 90 Militants Eliminated 

Mumbai, Maharashtra: As per the central government’s directives, mock drills are being conducted at Mumbai's historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) station, with the participation of workers and officials pic.twitter.com/nxwjkEQar0

— IANS (@ians_india) May 7, 2025

Chennai, Tamil Nadu: A mock drill is being conducted at the Chennai Port Trust premises as per the Ministry of Home Affairs' directive. The drill simulates a war-like situation to assess emergency preparedness. It includes evacuation procedures and medical response for injured… pic.twitter.com/X389FYBRaE

— IANS (@ians_india) May 7, 2025

West Bengal: The Civil Defence team of Eastern Railway's Howrah Division is conducting mock drills to enhance disaster preparedness. The drills focus on immediate relief and rescue operations, including the safe evacuation of civilians during emergencies pic.twitter.com/KsE7aZ1ET9

— IANS (@ians_india) May 7, 2025

Jind, Haryana: Emergency preparedness was tested in Jind as a mock drill took place at five locations, including the Vita Plant. SDM and administrative officials supervised the exercise. Fire brigade vehicles and ambulances were deployed on-site to ensure a realistic response… pic.twitter.com/X9hUNSQU9C

— IANS (@ians_india) May 7, 2025

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These drills are taking place in the after of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 tourists on April 22. In retaliation, India launched missile strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation, code-named 'Operation Sindoor,' was carried out by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force during the early hours on Wednesday. The strikes targeted terror camps in Sialkot, Muridke, and Bahawalpur, with additional focus on hideouts in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bhimber