What to Expect from India's Upcoming Civil Defence Mock Drill Amid Rising Tensions

Mock Drill to Prepare Citizens for Hostile Attacks

New Delhi: A comprehensive mock drill is set to take place across 244 designated civil defence districts on Wednesday, focusing on public reactions to air raid sirens, strategies for blackouts, and evacuation procedures in the event of a 'hostile attack', according to an official announcement.

On Tuesday, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan convened a meeting with leaders from Civil Defence and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to finalize the drill's details, especially in light of escalating tensions with Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror incident.

This meeting coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's discussions with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, amid speculation regarding a robust military response to the terror attack that resulted in 26 fatalities in Baisaran Valley.

During the mock drill meeting, chaired by the Home Secretary, officials reviewed preparations and emphasized the need to enhance civil defence infrastructure across various districts.

Many participants joined the meeting via video link from different parts of the country, sharing plans for establishing hotlines, control rooms, and radio communication links with the Indian Air Force.

As part of the drill, citizens will be advised to prepare first-aid kits, torches, candles, and to keep cash on hand in case digital payment systems fail, as stated by an official.

The last similar drill occurred before the 1971 war with Pakistan, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has outlined that this exercise will extend down to the village level, aiming to evaluate and improve the readiness of Civil Defence systems across all states and union territories.

The notification also emphasizes the importance of training civilians to respond effectively to a 'hostile attack'.

It specifies that the drill should involve active participation from the District Controller, various district authorities, civil defence volunteers, Home Guard members, and students from colleges and schools.

OP Singh, former police chief of Uttar Pradesh and NDRF advisor, remarked, 'The primary goal of the civil defence drill is to reduce harm to individuals and property.'

'The underlying principle is that everyone is accountable for their own survival,' he added, noting that the groundwork laid during these drills aids in restoring normalcy after a crisis.

He pointed out that the nature of the mock drill may differ based on an area's proximity to the border or the specific type of threat.

'Preparation needs vary significantly for air attacks versus missile strikes,' he explained.

During the drill, participants will learn how to respond during a blackout and what actions to avoid to ensure their location remains identifiable.