Amidst the strike that India launched against terrorists based in Pakistan, the country is also preparing for a nationwide civil defence mock drill. As directed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on 6th May, Mock Drills will be conducted across 244 districts on 7 May at 4 PM.
Meanwhile, the nation prepares, trains and tests the efficacy of the operationalisation of air-raid warning signs, crash blackout measures, firefighting and more. Last night, the Indian armed forces carried out strikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including areas such as Bahawalpur. The strike, launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, has been named ‘Operation Sindoor’ by the Indian Army. Reportedly, it has killed 70 terrorists, including ten family members and four close associates of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar.
What civilians must know
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According to reports, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan will be reviewing the preparations via video conference with chief secretaries and civil defence heads from across the country.
The mock drill will involve activating air-raid warning sirens, cleaning and restoring bunkers and trenches, and training civilians on protective measures during potential hostile attacks.
Additional activities may include executing crash-blackout protocols, camouflaging vital installations, updating evacuation plans, and testing communication lines. Control rooms and shadow control rooms will also be assessed for operational readiness.
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The activities and exercises will take place not only at the village level, but will also involve participation from civil defence wardens, Home Guards, NCC and NSS cadets, NYKS volunteers, and school and college students.
The mock drill is scheduled for 4 PM in most locations, while in Delhi, it will be conducted from 4 PM to 7 PM In Bareilly, a district-wide blackout will occur from 8 PM to 8:10 PM. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh has been placed on red alert for the day.
According to videos posted by ANI, students in a school in Jammu were seen being trained to “respond to any eventualities during a mock drill exercise”. Other footage showed air-raid siren preparedness drills being carried out at the Police Lines in Lucknow.
For context, a civil defence mock drill is a simulated emergency exercise designed to prepare civilians and authorities for potential threats such as war, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or other hostile situations. The primary aim is to assess the readiness of civil defence systems and to train the public to respond effectively during real-life emergencies.
Blackouts - a concern or not?
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One of the major concerns raised by Indian civilians, particularly evident on social media, relates to the implementation of blackouts during potential air raids by enemy aircraft. These blackouts are intended to minimise casualties and damage to infrastructure, serving as a vital safeguard against sudden aerial attacks. According to a 2003 document titled General Principles of Civil Defence in India, detailed guidelines outlining the dos and don'ts for such scenarios have been established.
Talking to Local Samosa, Captain Yashika Tyagi, who has been part of Kargil war, affirms that there is no need to panic in these situations. "There is no reason to be scared or feel panic. As Citizens it is our duty to stand by the Government and Armed Forces and support the decisions," she says adding that people should be alert and report on seeing any unusual movement.
Blackouts are used during air raids to reduce visibility for enemy aircraft, thereby helping to protect high-risk areas. During the civil defence security drill, lighting restrictions will be introduced gradually, rather than imposed all at once. These restrictions will apply to street lighting, industrial units, and even vehicle headlights.
Furthermore, all illuminated advertisements will be prohibited in designated vulnerable zones. The same document specifies that streetlights should be dimmed to the equivalent of a 25-watt bulb visible from 20 feet, or a hurricane lantern visible from six feet.
It is advisable that citizens take this drill with full diligence and help, and be prepared for the consequences.
While the security drill will be conducted at a serious and coordinated level, daily services are expected to continue without disruption. Essential services such as banking, public transport, and utilities will remain unaffected.
In addition, all schools, colleges, banks, government offices, and other institutions are expected to remain fully operational.
On the current mood of the country where misinformation is likely to he spread, Captain Tyagi says, "Do not succumb to rumour mongering and have faith in security forces." Reaffirming that there is no need to panic, while the preparedness is important, she says, "It is a rehearsal for preparedness. More we sweat in peace, less we bleed in war."
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