New Delhi, May 7, 2025: India is conducting a large-scale nationwide civil defence mock drill today, codenamed Operation Abhyas, following a Ministry of Home Affairs directive issued on May 5. The drill aims to test and enhance preparedness for air raid emergencies and other disaster scenarios, especially amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

Amid India-Pakistan tensions 2025, this drill—Operation Abhyas—comes just days after the Pahalgam terror attack shook Jammu & Kashmir.

Authorities have urged all citizens to follow protocols laid out in the emergency preparedness guide for Indian cities and refer to the Delhi civil defence measures for regional guidelines.

📍 Where Is the Mock Drill Taking Place?

Mock drills will be held in 244 civil defence-designated districts across India, including:

• Delhi-NCR: 11 districts, 660 schools, 40 markets
• Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chandigarh
• West Bengal: 32 locations (highest number)
• Rajasthan, Assam, Punjab, J&K: 20+ districts each

Each district is chosen based on threat perception and strategic importance.

⏰ Timings of the Mock Drill

• Delhi: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with school-level drills from 9:00 am
• Kerala: 4:02 pm to 4:29 pm
• Chandigarh: Drill followed by blackout 7:30 pm to 7:40 pm
• All other states: Most drills begin at 4:00 pm

🚨 What to Expect: Drill Scenarios

Each location will simulate emergencies such as:

• Incoming air raids (siren alerts and blackouts)
• Urban fire emergencies and rescue operations
• Evacuation drills to bunkers or demilitarised zones
• Setup of temporary hospitals and mass casualty management

📋 Rules and Safety Regulations

The following must be observed during the mock drill:

• Seek immediate shelter when sirens sound
• Close curtains and turn off gas/electric supplies
• No street or outdoor lighting during blackouts
• All vehicle lights must be off unless stationary
• No use of generators, flashlights, or matches outdoors

A government document states: “No direct light should be visible from 5,000 ft above ground level.”

🔒 Security and Monitoring

Security has been increased across high-risk zones:

• Delhi Police: Special focus on Central Delhi & Cantonment areas
• Gurgaon: Control room at Mini Secretariat; blackout at night
• Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Pune, Chennai: Multi-agency coordination

🗣️ Public Advisory

District Magistrates are supervising the exercises. Citizens are advised to:

• Stay calm and indoors during drills
• Avoid spreading or believing in rumours
• Follow instructions issued by local authorities

Chief Ministers in states like Telangana and Tamil Nadu are personally overseeing operations at key sites such as Hyderabad’s defence zones and Kalpakkam Atomic Station.

🔗 Related Resources

• India-Pakistan Tensions: Timeline of Recent Events
• Pahalgam Terror Attack: What We Know So Far
• Emergency Preparedness in Indian Cities
• Delhi Police Civil Defence Measures Explained

Stay updated. Stay safe. Trust only official announcements from your district administration.