On 7 May 2025, the Government of India will conduct a massive nationwide mock drill across 244 designated Civil Defence districts. The objective is to assess how swiftly and effectively the general public can respond in war-like situations, such as missile or aerial attacks.
The mock drill will simulate real-life scenarios—air raid sirens will be sounded, city-wide blackouts will be imposed, people will practice taking shelter, and emergency services will be activated promptly. The goal is to prevent chaos, reduce panic, and save lives.
Evoking Memories of the Cold War
While such preparations may remind one of the Cold War era, current global tensions have made these drills relevant once again. On 2 May 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued instructions to all states and Union Territories regarding the national-level rehearsal under the Civil Defence Rules, 1968.
Participants in the drill will include local administrations, Civil Defence wardens, Home Guards, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and students from schools and colleges.
This level of preparation sends a strong message that national security is not solely the responsibility of the armed forces. When citizens are aware of what to do, when to do it, and how to remain calm, the overall resilience of the nation is significantly enhanced. It is not just about reacting after an attack but also about being aware and prepared beforehand.
Key Activities of the Drill
Sirens will be tested in sensitive areas and institutions to alert people in case of an attack. Workshops will be held in schools, offices, and community centres to train citizens in techniques like “drop-and-cover,” locating nearby shelters, administering first aid, and managing mental health during crises.
Cities will experience brief power outages to simulate a blackout, a tactic last used during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, designed to hide cities from enemy aircraft. Strategic buildings such as military bases, communication towers, and power plants will be camouflaged to avoid detection via satellite or aerial surveillance. There will also be rehearsals for evacuating people from high-risk zones to safer areas to identify and address real-time challenges.
Not Tied to a Single Incident – But Pahalgam Attack a Wake-Up Call
While the drill is not in direct response to any one event, it is part of the government’s broader security preparedness following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on 22 April, where 26 Indian tourists were killed. The attack is believed to have been carried out by Pakistan-based terrorist groups.
In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held multiple high-level security meetings and stated, “We will punish the conspirators in a way they could never imagine.” Earlier, during the ‘Chintan Shivir’ in October 2022, both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister stressed the importance of strengthening Civil Defence.
Reports Sought from All States
A letter sent by the Home Secretary in January 2023 had already urged states and Union Territories to enhance Civil Defence capabilities in border and coastal regions.
Ahead of the 7 May drill, a 30-minute blackout drill was already conducted in the cantonment area of Firozpur, near the India-Pakistan border, as a preview of what’s to come. The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed every participating state and UT to submit an “Action Taken Report” after the drill, outlining execution, key learnings, and areas for improvement.