In light of escalating tensions, particularly following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India is conducting nationwide civil defence mock drills on May 7, 2025. These drills, the first of their kind since 1971, aim to evaluate and improve the country's emergency response capabilities in the face of potential threats.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed these exercises across 244 categorized Civil Defence Districts, encompassing states and union territories. These districts include areas with critical infrastructure and high security risks, such as Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and parts of the Northeast. The drills will simulate real-world scenarios, including air raid sirens and "crash blackout" measures.

What to Expect During the Drills:

• Air Raid Sirens: Testing the effectiveness of air raid warning systems is a key objective.
• Blackouts: A "crash blackout" involves the emergency shutdown of lights and visible infrastructure to reduce visibility during potential air raids. Lighting restrictions will be implemented gradually, affecting street lights, factories, and vehicle lights. Illuminated advertisements will be prohibited in vulnerable areas. The goal is to minimize casualties and damage by disorienting enemy pilots. Buildings will only be allowed to use light if it's completely screened off from external view.
• Evacuation Plans: Rehearsing and updating evacuation plans is crucial.
• Communication Systems: The functionality of control rooms and communication links with the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be tested.
• Civilian Training: Civilians, including students, will receive training on civil defence aspects to protect themselves during hostile attacks. This includes guidance on protective measures and crowd management during disasters.

Dos and Don'ts During Blackouts (as per the 2003 civil defence manual):

• No light should be visible at a height of 5,000 ft above ground level under normal visibility conditions.
• Streetlights must be dimmed significantly.
• No lights for decoration or advertisement will be allowed outside any building.
• Ensure that no ray, direct from the source of light, or reflected from a bright surface, is visible outside the roofed portion of the building and that no glare is thrown upwards outside the building or any part of it.

Why are these drills important?

These mock drills serve several critical purposes:

• Preparedness: To ensure that the civilian population can respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, particularly during war-like situations.
• Coordination: To test and improve coordination between various agencies, including civil defence authorities, police, and local administration.
• Training: To train staff on managing public safety during emergencies and minimizing potential damage during sudden attacks.
• Reducing Panic: To reduce panic and avoid chaos during real emergencies.
• Saving Lives: Ultimately, the aim is to save lives by ensuring that citizens are prepared and know how to react in the event of an attack.

Citizens are advised to keep essential supplies ready, such as medical kits, torches, candles, and cash. By conducting these drills, the government aims to enhance national security preparedness and protect its citizens in the face of evolving threats.