In light of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, several states in India are conducting civil defence exercises to enhance preparedness for potential hostile attacks. These exercises include fire drills in Uttar Pradesh and air raid responses in Jammu and Kashmir. The drills, which are scheduled for May 7, 2025, are being carried out in response to directives from the Union Home Ministry.
The civil defence mock drills aim to test and strengthen civil defence mechanisms. These mechanisms include air raid siren tests, civilian training, blackout protocols, camouflaging vital installations, and rehearsals of updated evacuation plans. The exercises seek to simulate real-life scenarios expected during direct conflict to prepare civilians for eventualities and test the effectiveness of government mechanisms in the face of potential invasions, missile attacks, or airstrikes.
In Uttar Pradesh, Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar has instructed districts to conduct mock drills in coordination with the public to deal with any emergency situation. Lucknow's Civil Defence conducted a mock drill rehearsal in the police lines area, involving the police, local administration, and air raid siren tests. The exercise also included providing information on managing crowds during a disaster. These drills mark the first such initiative in the state since the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The goal is to equip civilians with the knowledge and readiness needed in case of any conflict.
The mock drills have been ordered under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, and will take place across 244 districts categorized as Civil Defence Districts. These districts are located across India, including the border states of Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and West Bengal. With exercises planned up to the village level, the civil defence drills will aim to test the operational readiness of defence mechanisms across all states and Union Territories.
The exercises come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Since the attack, cross-border exchanges of fire have become the norm along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB). Pakistan has also threatened military action in retaliation to India's decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty. The precautionary civil defence drills signal India's readiness to defend itself should tensions escalate into direct conflict.
During the drills, citizens may experience temporary blackouts, suspension of mobile signals, or traffic diversions. Authorities may also conduct evacuation exercises or hold public announcements. The exercises may include air raid sirens to check public alert systems and crash blackouts where cities switch off visible lights to mimic blackout conditions used during wars.
