Mock Drill in India LIVE: Mock drills begin across India; Mumbai’s CSMT, Delhi, WB schools see emergency drills

Mock Drill in India LIVE: Mock drills begin across India; Mumbai’s CSMT, Delhi, WB schools see emergency drills

On May 7, 2025, India conducted a nationwide civil defence exercise named Operation Abhyaas, the largest of its kind since the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Coordinated by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Disaster Management Authority, the drill spanned 244 districts and aimed to enhance civilian readiness in light of escalating tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives.

The comprehensive exercise included air-raid siren tests, blackout simulations, evacuation drills, and public training sessions. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad participated actively. In Delhi, 60 air raid sirens were activated across 55 locations at 4:00 PM, mobilizing thousands of personnel, including civil defence volunteers, police officers, and emergency responders. Hyderabad’s drill, conducted between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM, engaged 12 civil defence services across key locations such as Secunderabad and Golconda Fort.

In Kerala, mock drills were conducted across all 14 districts, emphasizing public awareness and participation. Maharashtra saw extensive involvement, with drills in 16 cities including Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik, reaching down to the village level and involving civil defence volunteers, Home Guards, NCC, NSS, NYKS, as well as college and school students.

These drills were part of a broader strategy to prepare for potential hostile threats, especially in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, which intensified India-Pakistan tensions. India accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, leading to diplomatic and military escalations, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and closure of borders and airspace

Operation Abhyaas underscored the importance of coordinated emergency preparedness and civilian participation in national security measures. By simulating various emergency scenarios, the exercise aimed to bolster the country’s readiness and resilience against potential threats.