Civil mock drills May 7, 2025: India’s 1st nationwide civil defence exercise since 1971—What to expect in 244 districts?

Civil mock drills May 7, 2025: India will conduct its first nationwide civil defence mock drill since 1971 on May 7, 2025. The exercise will cover 244 districts across all states and union territories. It is ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs; this drill plans to improve emergency preparedness. This has been planned because of rising India-Pakistan tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

What is the May 7, 2025, civil defence mock drill?

The civil defence mock drill on May 7 is a major preparedness exercise. It will imitate war-like emergency situations. These include blackouts, air raid sirens, evacuations, and public safety training. The goal is to ensure readiness for such critical scenarios.

Local authorities, Home Guards, NCC, NSS, NYKS volunteers, and civilians will participate in this. This historic mock drill marks a revival of Cold War-era preparedness.

Why is India conducting this nationwide blackout drill?

The civil drill comes after rising tensions with Pakistan. This follows the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 civilians. Officials stress that the exercise does not signal an imminent conflict. But, it is a strategic move. The goal is to plan civil defence readiness against new and complex geopolitical threats.

How are the 244 districts categorized for the civil mock drills?

India has 244 civil defence districts. These will take part in nationwide civil mock drills on May 7, 2025. The districts are divided into three groups. The grouping is based on strategic importance, threat perception, and how vulnerable the areas are. This helps in planning better.

• Category 1: 13 districts considered highest risk due to proximity to international borders and critical infrastructure.
• Category 2: 201 districts with moderate threat levels.
• Category 3: 45 districts with relatively lower threat but included for inclusive coverage.

States like Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat get special attention. The drills will test important civil defence measures. These include air raid sirens, blackout procedures etc.

Key activities in the civil defence mock drills on May 7, 2025

Below are key activities in the Civil Defence Mock Drills on May 7, 2025 listed:?

• Air Raid Sirens Activation: Test air raid sirens to warn civilians of aerial threats.
• Crash Blackouts: Imitate blackouts by turning off city lights to reduce vulnerability to night-time airstrikes.
• Evacuation Drills: Practice civilian evacuation to ensure efficient emergency response.
• Camouflage Exercises: Conceal major installations like power plants and communication hubs for protection.
• Control Room Readiness: Test communication links and control room operations for coordination.

These activities will involve coordination with state and district authorities and extend to vulnerable border states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat.

What to expect during the civil drill?

Citizens in the affected districts may face temporary disruptions. These could include power cuts, mobile network suspensions, and traffic diversions. Police and paramilitary forces will imitate war-like scenarios. This will help test coordination and response efficiency.

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