In a decisive effort to bolster national security, the Ministry of Home Affairs has mandated comprehensive civil defense mock drills across states and union territories on May 7. This nationwide initiative aims to enhance preparedness against potential hostile attacks and safeguard both civilians and critical infrastructure.
The drills will reactivate air raid warning sirens, echoing India’s historical emergency protocols during the Indo-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971. Participants will also engage in measures such as crash blackouts and camouflage of vital installations while rehearsing mass evacuation plans.
Civilian involvement is pivotal, with training programs being rolled out in schools and public institutions to equip citizens with emergency response skills and self-protection techniques. The scenarios simulated during these drills will assess local authorities’ readiness, inter-agency coordination, and public response capabilities.
This initiative arrives amid escalating geopolitical tensions and a renewed commitment to national resilience. A 2022 report by the Ministry of Home Affairs flagged 777 critical sites—including economic centers and strategic assets—as potential high-risk targets, highlighting the necessity for enhanced civil defense strategies.
The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), established under the Information Technology Act of 2000, remains instrumental in safeguarding India’s digital and physical infrastructure.
Recent mock drills conducted in the Delhi-NCR region, prompted by hoax bomb threats at over 250 schools, provided a preview of the scenarios to be tested nationwide. These operations involved transportation hubs and government facilities, assisting in refining emergency protocols.
As preparations for the May 7 exercise continue, officials underline that civil preparedness transcends defense to emerge as a national responsibility. The drills are anticipated to yield vital insights, strengthening India’s capability to address a spectrum of conventional and emerging threats effectively.
