In response to escalating tensions with Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states and Union Territories to conduct large-scale civil defence mock drills on Wednesday, May 7. The decision comes in the wake of multiple high-level meetings chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assess the national security posture and preparedness in light of evolving geopolitical threats.
The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians—mostly tourists-has—has sharply heightened concerns within the central government about potential future threats. Compounding these anxieties is Pakistan’s recent display of military muscle through its missile firing tests under “Exercise INDUS,” conducted twice within two days. In this tense environment, the MHA has prioritised civil defence readiness, citing the need for states to be equipped to respond to new and complex threats.
A Nationwide Exercise to Strengthen Civil Defence
The MHA has identified 244 civil defence districts across India where the drills will be executed. These drills are designed not only to evaluate existing systems but also to enhance operational readiness at every level, from state capitals down to the village level. A key goal is to ensure that civilians, including school and college students, understand basic civil defence procedures in the event of a hostile attack.
The mock drills will focus on the following seven core objectives:
- Operationalisation of air raid warning sirens to alert civilians during an aerial threat.
- The activation of hotline and radio communication links with the Indian Air Force will be used for real-time coordination.
- Training civilians and students on how to protect themselves in the event of an attack.
- Implementation of crash blackout measures to obscure lights and sensitive areas during emergencies.
- Camouflaging of vital plants and installations to reduce their visibility and exposure.
- Rehearsal and updating of evacuation plans to ensure quick and organized responses.
- Testing Civil Defence response services including firefighting units, rescue operations, warden services, and depot management.
Testing Critical Infrastructure and Coordination
The drills will include evaluating the effectiveness of crash blackouts, which are intended to obscure vital installations from aerial view during potential strikes. Authorities will also verify whether key infrastructure can be camouflaged swiftly to avoid detection. Control rooms and emergency command centres will be tested for communication and coordination, ensuring that district controllers and wardens can respond seamlessly.
The preparedness of civil defence services—including fire-fighting teams, rescue squads, warden services, and depot managers—will be put to the test. The MHA has also emphasized the importance of rehearsing evacuation plans that can be implemented immediately during emergencies.
Involving Citizens and Volunteers for a Unified Response
What makes this exercise significant is its scope and inclusivity. Apart from officials and civil defence personnel, the MHA has called for the active involvement of home guards, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, members of the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and educational institutions. The goal is to foster a culture of preparedness and resilience across demographic groups, particularly among the youth.
The order highlights the necessity of community-level involvement in national security planning. As threats become more sophisticated and unpredictable, the central government aims to ensure that both authorities and civilians are not only aware but also equipped to respond effectively. The nationwide mock drills, thus, serve as both a test and a training opportunity to fortify India’s internal defence posture in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
With tensions simmering and Pakistan continuing to send provocative signals, India’s latest move underscores its resolve to be prepared for any eventuality. By mobilizing every layer of civil society, the May 7 exercise aims to create a resilient front that goes beyond the military, reaching deep into the homes, schools, and streets of the nation.