Air Raid Sirens to Sound in Hyderabad for First Mock Defence Drill

On Wednesday, Hyderabad will be among the key cities participating in a nationwide mock defence drill, the first of its kind since 1971. The drill, ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), will include the activation of air raid sirens and civil defence training, as India ramps up its preparedness amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The MHA has mandated that all states conduct mock drills on May 7, aimed at testing the country’s readiness in case of a war. Hyderabad, along with over 250 other locations across 33 states and union territories, will participate in the exercise. The drills will assess the functionality of air raid warning systems, communication links with the Indian Air Force, and the coordination of civil defence services to protect civilians in case of an attack.

The mock drills will focus on various critical objectives, including:

1. Activation of Air Raid Warning Sirens – Testing the effectiveness of early warning systems.

2. Communication Links – Ensuring operational readiness of hotline and radio communication with the Indian Air Force.

3. Civil Defence Training – Educating civilians and students on self-protection measures during an attack.

4. Crash Blackout Measures – Implementing power cuts to protect key infrastructure from enemy detection.

5. Camouflaging Vital Installations – Testing the effectiveness of early camouflaging of important plants and installations.

6. Activation of Civil Defence Services – Mobilizing services such as firefighting, rescue operations, and warden services.

7. Evacuation Plan Rehearsals – Verifying the readiness of evacuation plans, including the maintenance of bunkers and trenches.

The mock drills come at a time of heightened security concerns between India and Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to bring those responsible for the attack to justice, stating that India would pursue the perpetrators "to the ends of the earth."

The government’s decision to conduct these drills is a clear indication of its commitment to ensuring national security in the face of growing cross-border tensions. The drills will also provide an opportunity to evaluate the preparedness of local authorities in responding to wartime conditions.

In light of the attack, PM Modi has been holding high-level meetings with top defence officials to review India’s countermeasures. He reiterated India’s resolve to respond forcefully to any threat, as Pakistan issued warnings of a “swift and heightened response” to India’s military preparations.

As the mock defence drills unfold across the country, they will serve as a critical exercise in strengthening India’s civil defence capabilities. By testing air raid systems, communication links, and evacuation plans, the government is working to ensure that citizens are well-prepared to handle any potential threat.