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.
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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