Key Points
- The Union Home Ministry has directed multiple states to conduct comprehensive civil defence mock drills on May 7, 2025, in response to escalating India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack.
- Drills will include air raid sirens, blackout protocols, civilian and student training, camouflaging of vital installations, and evacuation rehearsals.
- Punjab’s Ferozepur Cantonment already conducted a 30-minute blackout drill, reviving protocols last widely used during the 1971 war.
- Residents near the border have expressed anxiety, with local authorities urging calm and cooperation during the exercises.
- The drills are part of a broader national emergency preparedness strategy as border skirmishes and diplomatic hostilities intensify.
New Delhi: Amid rapidly escalating tensions with Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the Union Home Ministry has issued an unprecedented directive: states across India must conduct comprehensive civil defence mock drills on May 7, 2025, to prepare citizens for potential war-like emergencies.
What the Drills Involve
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has outlined a series of coordinated measures designed to bolster national readiness in the event of a hostile attack:
- Air Raid Warning Sirens: States are to ensure the operational readiness of air raid sirens, which will be sounded during the drills to simulate an imminent threat.
- Blackout Protocols: Authorities will implement “crash blackouts,” requiring all lights in designated areas to be switched off to minimize visibility for enemy aircraft. Residents are instructed to keep even personal generators and inverters off during the blackout window.
- Civilian and Student Training: The drills will include training sessions for civilians and students on how to respond during air raids, including taking shelter, following evacuation routes, and basic first aid.
- Camouflaging Critical Infrastructure: Early-stage camouflaging of vital plants, military installations, and infrastructure will be rehearsed to protect against aerial surveillance and attacks.
- Evacuation Plans: States have been asked to update and rehearse evacuation plans, ensuring that authorities and the public can respond swiftly and orderly in a real emergency.
Blackout Drill in Punjab: A Glimpse of Wartime Protocols
On Sunday, Ferozepur Cantonment in Punjab conducted a 30-minute blackout rehearsal from 9 pm to 9:30 pm, plunging the border town into darkness. The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) cut electricity, hooters sounded continuously, and police enforced strict compliance, stopping vehicles with lights on and maintaining high alert at intersections.
The exercise, reminiscent of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, was coordinated by the Cantonment Board and Station Commander. Residents, including army families and civilians, were informed in advance, but the drill still sparked anxiety, panic buying, and even temporary migration from some border villages.
Why Now? The Security Context
These drills come as India and Pakistan are locked in a dangerous standoff. Since the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians, both sides have escalated military and diplomatic actions. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and closed key border crossings, while Pakistan has retaliated with its own bans and nightly cross-border firing.
Military skirmishes have become routine along the Line of Control, and both countries have ramped up military readiness. The drills mark the first time since the 1971 war that such large-scale civil defence exercises are being conducted nationwide.
Public Response and Official Assurances
While local authorities emphasize these are precautionary drills to strengthen emergency preparedness, the psychological impact on border communities is significant. Residents have been urged to cooperate fully and avoid panic. Officials assure that these measures are routine and not a sign of imminent war, but acknowledge the need for vigilance given the volatile situation.
As India faces one of its most serious security challenges in decades, the nationwide civil defence drills on May 7 are a stark reminder of the importance of public readiness and resilience in times of crisis. The exercises aim to ensure that, should the worst occur, citizens and authorities alike are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively.
