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3d ago

India Conducts First Nationwide Civil Defence Drills Since 1971

The large-scale exercise, spanning 244 districts, tests air-raid sirens, blackout protocols, and evacuation readiness amidst heightened security concerns.

A rehearsal mock drill conducted by the Local NGO and scout volunteers at the Bara Tooti Chowk in Sadar Bazar Market in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
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RWAs, schools, and key institutions have been roped in to raise awareness, while messaging campaigns across digital and offline platforms are informing citizens about the drill. (PTI)
Officials in Lucknow prepare for siren activation and blackout procedures, on Tuesday. (Deepak Gupta/HT Photo)

Overview

  • The nationwide drills, initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aim to bolster civil defence preparedness across urban and rural areas following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
  • Exercises include air-raid siren tests, blackout simulations, evacuation rehearsals, and citizen training in first aid and emergency protocols.
  • Delhi’s ‘Operation Abhyas’ is underway at 55 locations, including major hubs like Terminal 3 of the Delhi Airport and Khan Market, while other states conduct similar drills in high-risk areas.
  • Coordinated efforts involve over 6 lakh participants, including Civil Defence volunteers, Home Guards, students, and uniformed personnel from police and paramilitary forces.
  • The Indian Air Force is conducting parallel military drills along the Rajasthan border as part of broader security measures.