Nationwide Mock Drills on May 7: What should civilians expect? Know here!

A major nationwide civil defence mock drill is set to take place on 7 May at 4 PM, covering 244 districts across India, including densely populated cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Lucknow. Organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the large-scale exercise will test emergency preparedness through a series of simulations, including air raid sirens, blackout protocols, evacuation drills, and first aid training.

This marks the most extensive civilian mobilisation since the pan-India drill conducted in 1971, ahead of the Bangladesh Liberation War. Though precautionary, officials stress the drill’s critical role in strengthening rapid response capabilities and ensuring coordinated action during real-world emergencies.

The exercise follows heightened security concerns after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and is designed to boost civilian readiness in the face of potential national emergencies. Coastal zones like Uran and Ratnagiri will also participate due to their strategic maritime locations, while in Uttar Pradesh, preparatory drills have already begun in Police Lines with involvement from NCC cadets, Home Guards and local students.

The drill, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to evaluate the readiness of both civilians and authorities in the event of a hostile attack, natural disaster or wartime emergency. Activities will include air raid siren activation, simulated blackouts, evacuation rehearsals, and bunker inspections. This is the most extensive civilian preparedness drill since the pan-India exercise held in 1971, ahead of the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Citizens across the designated civil defence districts can expect to witness or participate in the following:

• Air raid siren activation to test alert systems

• Blackout measures, simulating stealth protocols

• Bunker checks involving inspection and maintenance of shelters and trenches

• Evacuation rehearsals to move civilians from high-risk areas

• Communication drills activating hotline and radio links with the Indian Air Force

• Training sessions for volunteers, students, and home guards on first aid, fire safety, and emergency response

• Camouflaging exercises for critical infrastructure such as power plants and water treatment facilities

• Shadow control room simulations in case main command centres are compromised

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the primary goals are to:

• Train civilians in survival and response techniques during emergencies

• Evaluate the effectiveness of air raid warning systems

• Test control rooms and shadow command centres

• Strengthen coordination with the Indian Air Force

• Prepare critical infrastructure for early camouflage

• Implement and assess blackout procedures

• Examine the functioning of civil defence services such as wardens, fire brigades, and rescue teams

1. Follow only official announcements via internet, television, or radio

2. Remain calm, especially if sirens or blackouts occur

3. Comply with instructions from police, civil defence personnel, or local volunteers

4. Avoid areas that are marked off or restricted for the drill

5. Keep an emergency kit ready, including essentials such as water, a torch, and basic first-aid supplies

The Ministry has confirmed that schools, colleges, banks, government offices, and other institutions will remain open during the exercise. The drill is designed to integrate smoothly into daily routines without causing major disruption. Mobile and internet services will continue uninterrupted, barring any localised measures which will be communicated in advance.

The government has urged citizens to remain calm during the drill. Although some areas may experience short-term power outages, traffic rerouting or public announcements, these are controlled simulations and not indicators of real threat. In certain districts, the presence of police and paramilitary forces may be more visible, as they stage realistic enactments of emergency response protocols.

Authorities have urged the public to refrain from forwarding unverified messages on platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. Any accurate and official updates regarding the drill will be communicated through government channels and public broadcasters only.