On May 7, 2025, India conducted a nationwide civil defense mock drill across multiple states and union territories . This exercise, named “Operation Abhyaas,” was initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in response to increasing security concerns, particularly after the Pahalgam terror attack .
Key Aspects of the Mock Drill:
- Objectives: The primary goals were to evaluate and enhance the country’s emergency response capabilities, improve coordination among various agencies, and raise public awareness about safety measures during potential hostile situations .
- Participating Agencies: The drills involved a wide range of participants, including civil defense wardens, home guards, NCC (National Cadet Corps) cadets, NSS (National Service Scheme) volunteers, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) members, and students from schools and colleges . State disaster response forces, local police, fire departments, and medical teams also took part .
- Simulated Scenarios: The mock drills simulated various emergency situations such as air raids, multiple fire emergencies, coordinated terrorist attacks, chemical incidents, and search and rescue operations .
- Measures Implemented: The exercises included activating air-raid warning sirens, implementing crash blackout procedures, camouflaging critical infrastructure, testing communication links with the Indian Air Force, and executing evacuation strategies . Some areas experienced brief power outages and mobile signal disruptions .
- Areas Covered: The mock drills were conducted in 244 officially designated civil defense districts across India, including major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata .
- Specific Activities:
- Blackouts: Many states observed blackouts, with residents asked to remain indoors . In Delhi, a scheduled blackout occurred in the NDMC area .
- Evacuations: Evacuation drills were carried out in various locations, with people directed to move towards designated safe zones .
- Emergency Response: Simulations included fire-fighting methods, air strike response procedures, and casualty rescue and revival techniques .
- Public Awareness: Authorities used the drills to educate the public on what to do during emergencies, emphasizing the importance of staying calm, following instructions from emergency personnel, and having a basic emergency kit handy . Overall, the nationwide mock drill Operation ABHYAAS aimed to strengthen India’s civil defense preparedness and ensure the safety and security of its citizens in the face of potential threats.
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