Explained: MHA Orders Civil Defence Mock Drill Across Multiple States On May 7 After Pahalgam Attack; Here's What It Means

New Delhi: In a nationwide directive, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed several state governments to carry out an extensive Civil Defence mock drill on May 7. This move comes in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, mostly tourists.

The MHA’s notification has been sent to Chief Secretaries and UT Administrators, urging the involvement of local authorities, volunteers, students, and defence services in a coordinated emergency preparedness exercise. The directive underscores the government’s focus on reviving comprehensive Civil Defence protocols across 244 categorised districts.

Why Is the Drill Happening Now?

Amid escalating regional threats, especially on India’s western and northern borders, the government has emphasised the need for “optimum Civil Defence preparedness.” The notification explicitly references the evolving nature of national security risks, stating that states must remain ready to handle emergencies like air raids, internal disruptions, or full-scale attacks.

Senior officials in the Ministry say this is the most expansive civilian defence mobilisation effort since the Cold War era, signaling a shift in India’s internal security posture.

What Will Drill the Involve?

The mock drill will unfold across multiple levels, from districts to village clusters, and will simulate scenarios like air strikes, mass evacuations, and communication blackouts. Local administrations are expected to conduct these drills with public and institutional participation.

Key participants will include Civil Defence wardens, Home Guard volunteers (active and reservists), members of the NCC, NSS, NYKS, and students from schools and colleges.

Key Measures to Be Tested:

Air Raid Siren Activation: Designated towns will test their air raid warning systems to alert civilians in case of an aerial attack. This is aimed at ensuring that alert infrastructure is functional and can trigger swift public sheltering.

Civilian Training: Workshops and drills in schools and public institutions will focus on how civilians can react during a hostile event, covering everything from basic first aid to emergency evacuation steps.

Blackout Protocols: Cities and installations will undergo blackout exercises to test their ability to "go dark" in minutes. This includes turning off all lights and electronic signals to avoid detection by enemy reconnaissance.

Camouflage Exercises: Strategic installations, such as power stations, defence infrastructure, and communication hubs, will be camouflaged to assess how quickly and effectively such assets can be concealed from enemy targeting.

Evacuation Drills: Dry runs of evacuation plans will be held to identify flaws in existing procedures and to ensure smooth movement of people from high-risk zones to safer areas.

Officials have stated that the aim is not just operational testing, but also public awareness and engagement. “This exercise is about empowering people to be part of national defence—not just the armed forces,” said an MHA official.

Published on: Tuesday, May 06, 2025, 09:48 AM IST