A Glimpse Into Tomorrow's Civil Defence Drills: What to Expect from the Preparations
Civic volunteers carried out rehearsals in preparation for tomorrow's security drills across multiple cities in India. The mock drills are being held under the Centre's directive, following heightened tensions with Pakistan.
War
India is preparing to conduct its first civil defence drills since the 1971 India-Pakistan war, in response to rising tensions following the recent terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. These drills will take place at 259 locations across 33 states and union territories, aimed at preparing civilians for potential war-like situations. Ahead of the drills, extensive preparations have been made across the country to ensure the exercises run smoothly.
The focus of the mock drills will include air raids, mass evacuations, and bunker safety protocols. Defence volunteers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) will be on the ground to train civilians in handling hostile scenarios. Since India does not have dedicated bunkers for civilians, existing structures such as subways and basements will serve as makeshift shelters.
The drills will feature a full-scale emergency response, with coordination between the police, fire brigade, NDRF, hospitals, and civilians. Each unit will follow specific timelines or code words during the exercise.
When an air raid siren is triggered, civilians will be instructed to seek shelter immediately. In case of missile, rocket, or drone attacks, sturdy structures like subways and basements will provide protection, minimising casualties from aerial assaults.
Since the Pahalgam attack, there have been several ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a strong response from the Indian Army. Prime Minister Modi has promised to bring the perpetrators to justice, while Pakistani officials have warned of a firm response to any Indian action.
In the wake of these developments, the Ministry of External Affairs has ordered the nationwide mock drills for May 7 to prepare civilians for emergency situations. Rehearsals were conducted across various cities ahead of the drills.
In Jammu and Kashmir, state disaster response teams, NDRF, and J&K police rescue units have been carrying out drills to prepare for potential emergencies, including water rescues on the Jhelum River.
In Lucknow, civil defence volunteers have been practising emergency responses, such as extinguishing fires and rescuing injured civilians. Three separate rehearsal sessions, each lasting 3–4 hours, were held. During one of the drills, air raid sirens were sounded, prompting participants to lie flat and cover their ears. A second siren signalled the all-clear, prompting volunteers to assist the injured.
The drills aim to familiarise civilians with the appropriate responses in wartime emergencies. Citizens are advised to keep essential items like a torch, extra batteries, water, non-perishable food, first aid kits, and emergency cash on hand, as digital transactions may fail during a crisis.
Security has also been heightened in the national capital ahead of the drills, with increased police patrols and vehicle checks, particularly at tourist hotspots and key locations. Authorities have been instructed to focus on unregistered and rental vehicles to ensure public safety.
