India Holds Country-Wide Mock Drill in Wake of Escalating Tensions with Pakistan
May 7, 2025 6:35 PM IST
India Mock Drill Live: Rashtrapati Bhawan, PM Residence, and Hospital ICUs Exempt from NDMC Blackout
As part of the mock drill across the country, the NDMC area in Delhi will be blacked out from 8 PM today. But Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the Prime Minister, and hospital ICUs will be exempted from the blackout.
To effect the blackout, switchyards will be used to cut off the power supply in the entire area, including Connaught Place and Lutyens.
May 7, 2025 6:25 PM IST
India Mock Drill Live:Main Points Excluded from NDMC Blackout Under Mock Drill
As part of the country-wide mock drill on May 7, 2025, the NDMC zone in Delhi will be subjected to a blackout from 8 PM. Nevertheless, critical points such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Prime Minister's house, and hospital ICUs will be spared.
To aid in this blackout, switchyards shall be used to cut power supply throughout the whole zone, including Connaught Place and Lutyens.
May 7, 2025 6:10 PM IST
India Mock Drill Live:Three-Hour Mock Drills in Jharkhand
The mock drills were initiated at six sites across Jharkhand on May 7, 2025, with deafening sirens.
These exercises are being conducted for three hours in five districts of Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Godda, and Sahibganj, with the cooperation of civil defense organizations, officials said.
May 7, 2025 5:50 PM IST
India Mock Drill Live:Evacuation Drill Conducted in Kerala as a Part of Mock Drill Across the Country
On Wednesday, a nationwide mock drill was initiated at the Collectorate complex in Ernakulam, Kerala, with a thundering alarm and lights switched off.
To mimic a real-life situation, the building was darkened, and windows were shut. A simulated fire was then staged on the higher floors, filling the place with smoke.
Rescue efforts began at once, with the help of firefighters, police squads, and civil defense volunteers working together to evacuate all persons from the building safely. The drill was coordinated and actively involved by the district collector.
May 7, 2025 5:35 PM IST
India mock drill live: Sirens sound at IGI airport, RBI building, and others
India is carrying out countrywide mock drills replicating emergency situations, such as air raid alerts. Sirens were sounded at strategic points such as Indira Gandhi International Airport and the RBI headquarters, with emergency services on alert to test readiness.
Fire brigade teams and medical crews, including ambulances, were sent to the airport in response to the sirens. At the RBI building, people were told not to approach glass windows and take cover by covering their heads with their hands.
May 7, 2025 5:15 PM IST
India Mock Drill Live: Bengaluru Carries Out Rescue Operations and Evacuations
Mock drills were held in Bengaluru on Wednesday at 4 PM as part of 'Operation Abhyaas' as per orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
As per PTI, the civil defence officials, police, and fire and emergency services went into action as soon as the siren went off at 3:48 PM at different places.
The exercises also involved rescue operations if a fire were to occur, removal of debris, evacuation of persons from high-rise buildings, and medical emergency response.
The entire exercise took half an hour to complete.
May 7, 2025 4:35 PM IST
India Mock Drill Live: Mega Mock Drills Begin Across 55 Sites in Delhi
In Delhi, a countrywide exercise has begun, with mock drills that mimic a range of hostile situations, including air attacks, multiple fire outbreaks, and search and rescue efforts.
PCR vans and fire tenders were spotted at many sites, along with a large presence of security forces and civil defence volunteers.
At Khan Market, alarm sirens were triggered, and the people were made to evacuate in the drill. In Chandni Chowk, a mock drill was organized where civil defence volunteers, personnel, and NCC cadets were involved.
May 7, 2025 4:10 PM IST
India Mock Drill Live Updates: Four Schools in Kolkata Conduct Evacuation Exercises
Evacuation drills were performed on Wednesday at four private schools in Kolkata to test students' readiness in case of an emergency, as tensions between India and Pakistan escalate.
The exercises were conducted at DPS-Ruby Park, La Martiniere for Boys, La Martiniere for Girls, and Future Foundation School.
A spokesman for the two La Martiniere schools said the drills were conducted under the auspices of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) wings as per the orders of the government.
"The whole drill was conducted within 30 minutes to train the students in the procedures that would need to be followed in the event of an emergency. The students were quite enthusiastic and keen on participating in the drill," he added
May 7, 2025 4:00 PM IST
India Mock Drill Live Updates: Security Exercise Conducted at Mumbai's CSMT Station
Part of an overall drive at the national level to assess and improve disaster readiness, emergency mock drills are being conducted nationwide. In Mumbai, Civil Defence personnel conducted a comprehensive mock drill at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Railway Station. CSMT footage shows staff taking an active attempt to simulate emergency situations, such as bomb threats, co-ordinated evacuations, medical emergencies, and crowd control initiatives.
May 7, 2025 3:25 PM IST
India mock drill live updates: Today's Mega Mock Drill Emergency Kit Essentials
As part of the mock exercises, citizens are also urged to prepare emergency kits at home with necessary items to help during blackouts and medical emergencies.
Some suggested items are first aid kits, flashlights, candles, and cash. Having some cash ready is recommended so that in situations where cellular phones and digital payments are not working, some cash is available to use.
The Centre has said that these mock drills are intended to boost civil defense preparedness in the face of possible conflict situations between India and Pakistan.
"Staying calm and ready in emergencies or hostile environments is vital for maintaining national security. Familiarity with regular drills and awareness of such plans can make citizens capable of reacting effectively during crucial moments," the National Disaster Management Authority observed in an X post.
May 7, 2025 3:15 PM IST
India mock drill live updates: Security mock drill conducted at Botanical Garden metro station in Noida
A mock drill of civil defence is being held at the Botanical Garden metro station in Noida as part of an emergency preparedness drive. The exercise is a joint effort between local police, Civil Defence officials, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to mimic a real-time emergency situation and check the preparedness of response teams.
May 7, 2025 3:05 PM IST
India mock drill live updates: Delhi Security Preparations Conduct Mock Drills
Units in different districts of Delhi have been assigned to locate and identify safe structures and demilitarized areas for mock evacuations. At least one hospital, government building, market, and residential complex in each district has been identified, with residents being informed about the exercise a few hours in advance.
At the same time, the Delhi government has launched a major safety training drive among schools. About 500 to 700 schools will be involved, where DDMA and civil defence officials will educate students on the shelter procedure and emergency readiness. The drills would be conducted earlier in the day, followed by the main drill at 4 PM. Some schools in the national capital have already started conducting such drills.
As per internal planning documents accessed by HT, 660 schools, of which 550 are private and 110 are government schools, and 40 market and civilian sites have been chosen for this specialised training. The Directorate of Education (DoE) and District Magistrates (DMs) have been instructed to conduct these sessions.
May 7, 2025 2:55 PM IST
India mock drill live updates: Bihar Ready for Civic Defence Mock Drill, DGP Vinay Kumar Says
Bihar will hold civic defence mock drills on Wednesday, which will see air raid sirens simulated, blackouts and evacuation procedures. DGP Vinay Kumar said that the state is ready for the drills and assured that all the arrangements are in place.
"Bihar is fully geared up for the mock drill. We have met with all the concerned departments and preparations are being made. Certain districts are standby too. We will also issue public announcements of what to do and what not to do during the drill, so that people know the drill procedures," he added.
May 7, 2025 2:45 PM IST
India Mock Drill Updates
India conducted a country-wide civil defence mock drill called 'Operation Abhyaas' on May 7, 2025, across 244 places, including large cities such as Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bareilly. The mock drill sought to check emergency preparedness against air raids, evacuations, and blackouts.
Objectives of the Mock Drill
The main objectives were:
To check air raid warning systems and communication procedures.
To check evacuation plans and control room operations.
Civilians training in civil defence procedures.
Evaluation of emergency response capacity, fire fighting, and rescue operations.
Places and Activities
Delhi: 55 places took part, with air raid sirens being sounded and synchronized emergency response.
Hyderabad: Large-scale exercises at four locations, mimicking air raids and sheltering techniques.
Bareilly: Controlled 10-minute blackout was witnessed to replicate emergency scenarios.
Gangtok and Singtam: Emphasis laid on public education and coordination among emergency forces.
Chandigarh: Carried out a 10-minute blackout drill with sirens, requesting residents to remain indoors.
India organized a countrywide civil defense simulation exercise called 'Operation Abhyaas' at 244 locations, including prominent cities such as Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bareilly. The exercise was to ensure emergency readiness against events like air raids, evacuation, and blackouts.
Objectives of the Mock Drill
The main objectives were:
To test air raid warning systems as well as communication mechanisms.
To assess evacuation procedures and control room mechanisms.
To train civilians in civil defense procedures.
Evaluating emergency response capacity, such as firefighting and rescue operations.
Locations and Activities
Delhi: 55 locations took part, with air raid sirens sounded and coordinated emergency responses.
Hyderabad: Large-scale drills at four locations, with air raid and sheltering procedures simulated.
Bareilly: A controlled 10-minute blackout was witnessed to mimic emergency situations.
Gangtok and Singtam: Focused on public awareness and coordination among emergency services.
Chandigarh: Performed a blackout drill with sirens for 10 minutes, requesting residents to remain indoors.
Public Awareness and Involvement
Residents were asked to practice evacuation routes and pack 'go-bags' with vital necessities.
Students at schools in different states underwent drills to get accustomed to emergency procedures.
The authorities advised people to remain calm and comply with instructions while the drills were conducted.
Influence on Daily Life
Banks and public transport continued their operations throughout the drills.
Educational institutions were mostly kept open except in sensitive border regions where schools had to be closed as a precautionary measure.
Emergency services, including hospitals, operated normally during the exercise.
The simulation exercise was an important exercise in enhancing the preparedness of India against possible security threats, especially in the wake of recent tensions with Pakistan. The simulation exercise was meant to test whether the public and emergency services were adequately prepared to deal with the situation at hand effectively during times of crisis.
India will hold a large-scale mock drill, called Operation Abhyas, on May 7, 2025, at 244 places as part of a preparedness drill amid growing political tensions and security threats, especially after the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has made this exercise mandatory to determine how ready the nation is for an India-Pakistan war situation.
Mock Drill Timings and Locations
The mock drills are to be started at 4 PM in the majority of areas, with specific time variations for each place:
Delhi: 4 PM to 7 PM
Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh): Postponed to 4 PM at the Reserve Police Lines
Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh): Blackout from 8 PM to 8:10 PM; people are requested to switch off lights and refrain from using electronic appliances.
Kerala: 14 districts will be participating, starting at 4 PM.
Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh): Air raid drill at Kotha Jalaripeta at 4 PM, followed by a 7 PM blackout.
Dehradun (Uttarakhand): Sirens and hooters will be raised at five major locations at 4 PM.
Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu): Drill at Madras Atomic Power Station and Chennai Port Trust from 4 PM to 4:30 PM.
The drills are intended to raise public consciousness and increase civil defense preparedness for possible war-like situations. The MHA highlighted that the initiative is under the Integrated Response System (IRS) to safeguard citizens during emergencies, including air attacks.
Also Read: FM Sitharaman Seeking ADB to Reduce Funding for Pakistan 'Untrue', says Centre
Scope of the Mock Drill
The mock exercise will mimic several different situations, such as air raids, blackouts, evacuation, and rescue operations in emergency situations. It will include:
Activation of air-raid warning sirens
Civilians to be trained in civil defense practices
Crash-blackout procedures and advance camouflaging of essential installations
Revision and practice of evacuation procedures
Functionalization of communication channels with the Indian Air Force (IAF)
The MHA's directive follows increased tensions with Pakistan, especially after the Pahalgam attack, which have increased worries regarding national security.
Also Read: PM Modi, Doval Hold Urgent Security Talks as India Ramps Up Response to Pahalgam Attack
Participating Districts
The simulation drills will be conducted in classified districts nationwide:
Category I – High Priority Locations: Comprises major cities and strategic areas including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, etc., and several districts in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.
Category II – Medium Priority Locations: Comprises districts in Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, and Maharashtra.
Category III – Low Priority Locations: Comprises places such as Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh.
The MHA's alert underlines the need to ensure optimal civil defense preparedness in view of emerging and sophisticated threats. The exercise seeks to evaluate and improve the preparedness of civil defense mechanisms in all states and Union territories.
As India gears up for this large-scale mock drill, the government wants to see that the public and authorities are adequately prepared to meet possible exigencies. The exercise emphasizes national preparedness against changing security challenges, underlining the need for a coordinated approach to safeguard the country and its citizens.
