New Delhi: As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, the central government has asked all states and union territories to conduct a nationwide civil defence mock drill on Wednesday, May 7. This is the first such exercise since 1971, when India and Pakistan went to war.

The drills will cover all of India’s 244 designated civil defence districts. Many of these districts have been identified as vulnerable to several threats, including potential wartime scenarios. The move is a part of India ramping up civil preparedness across the country.

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What Is A Mock Drill?

A mock drill is a planned, supervised, and simulated exercise conducted to test the preparedness and response capabilities of individuals, organisations, or emergency services during a potential crisis or disaster situation.

Mock drills are typically conducted in institutions such as schools, hospitals, and workplaces in case of emergencies like fires, earthquakes, medical crises, industrial accidents, or security threats.

They help evaluate response protocols, train participants on safety procedures, identify gaps or weaknesses in the existing system, and improve coordination among emergency teams and the public.

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What Will Happen On May 7?

The notification issued by the Union Home Ministry lists out what will happen during the mock drill.

• Hotline and radio links between civil authorities and the Indian Air Force will be activated and tested.
• The drill will assess how effective air raid sirens are in alerting people about aerial threats.
• It will also try to train civilians to respond quickly and safely in case of an air strike.
• The drill will check how well control rooms and their backups (shadow rooms) perform during emergencies.
• People, including students, will be trained to protect themselves during hostile attacks through basic civil defence techniques.
• It will include blackout exercises, where residents may be asked to switch off lights to simulate conditions during an air raid.
• Authorities will practice shielding critical infrastructure such as airfields, refineries and rail yards from aerial detection or attack.
• The preparedness of rescue teams and firefighters will also be tested. Evacuation plans will be rehearsed to move people from danger zones to safer areas.
• Civilians will receive hands-on training in providing basic first aid, handling firefighting equipment, and taking shelter during emergencies.

Since the Pahalgam attack, tensions have escalated along the Line of Control (LoC), with Pakistan reportedly firing at Indian posts for 11 consecutive nights. The Indian armed forces have responded with force, and the atmosphere remains volatile.