A large-scale civil defence mock drill is scheduled to unfold across four strategic Indian states bordering Pakistan: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir. This significant exercise follows the recent tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, marking a pivotal moment in national security preparedness. This initiative represents the first nationwide civil drill of its kind since the 1971 Indo-Pak war, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced readiness in the face of escalating threats.
The drill, ordered by the Home Ministry, stems from earlier directives that highlighted the necessity for such preparedness in 244 districts nationwide, initiated on May 7. Coinciding with the launch of Operation Sindoor—an operation aimed at disrupting terror infrastructure across the border—the drills are designed to evaluate the efficiency and speed of the civil and defense response mechanisms to emergency situations, including air raids, terrorist attacks, and wartime contingencies.
Central to today’s drill is the activation of air raid sirens, aimed at testing response protocols and blackout procedures. In regions surrounding the Line of Control, such as Uri in Kashmir, community bunkers have been erected in anticipation of potential threats. Additionally, students in border towns like Arnia have already participated in evacuation drills, preparing them for possible emergencies.
Safety measures are particularly focused on securing critical infrastructure, which encompasses military bases, paramilitary installations, hospitals, and communication hubs. Civil defence teams will work in conjunction with local entities to educate civilians, students, and personnel on emergency standard operating procedures (SOPs), evacuation strategies, and the locations of shelter.
Officials are advising residents within the affected areas to maintain calm and attentively follow instructions during the siren tests. They emphasize the importance of approaching the drill with seriousness, as it aims to bolster the nation’s civilian defence strategy amid growing tensions in the region. This proactive initiative seeks to ensure that both the civil and military structures are equipped to handle crises effectively, ultimately enhancing national security and public safety.
