Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 6: In a large-scale effort to bolster civil defence preparedness, citizens across 244 designated districts will participate in a nationwide mock drill on Wednesday. The exercise will focus on protocols such as responding to air raid sirens, managing blackout situations, and executing evacuation procedures in the event of a hostile attack, according to government sources.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a high-level review meeting on Tuesday with top officials from Civil Defence and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the primary agencies coordinating the drill. The initiative comes amid heightened security concerns following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, fueling speculation of a potential military retaliation.
The civil defence briefing was held the same day Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to discuss the broader national security implications of the Pahalgam incident.
During the preparedness meeting, officials emphasized the need to modernize civil defence infrastructure across districts. Key action points included establishing dedicated hotlines, activating control rooms, and reinforcing radio communication channels with the Indian Air Force. Many district officers joined the discussions via video conferencing to provide updates on local arrangements.
As part of the drill, civilians will be instructed to maintain basic emergency supplies such as first-aid kits, flashlights, candles, and cash reserves, especially in anticipation of disruptions to digital payment systems.
This mock drill marks the first of its kind since the Indo-Pak war of 1971, underscoring its historical significance. The Ministry of Home Affairs has outlined that the exercise will be conducted down to the village level, aiming to test and strengthen civil defence capabilities in every State and Union Territory.
The ministry's directive stresses training the public to effectively handle scenarios involving hostile threats. Active involvement is expected from a wide range of participants, including District Controllers, civil defence volunteers, Home Guards, NCC and NSS cadets, NYKS members, and students from schools and colleges.
Former Uttar Pradesh police chief and NDRF adviser O.P. Singh explained that the goal of these drills is to minimize casualties and damage during crises. “Preparedness starts at the individual level,” he said, noting that such drills help communities recover and resume normal life faster after emergencies.
Singh also pointed out that training will differ based on regional threat assessments—such as proximity to international borders or specific attack risks like aerial or missile strikes. Special attention will be given to blackout protocols, emphasizing actions to avoid inadvertently revealing one’s location.
The upcoming drill represents a critical step in reinforcing India’s grassroots-level resilience against future threats.