Be Prepared: What to Do During the Mock Drill

In Jharkhand mock drill will be conducted from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Blackout will be conducted in BS City area and IEL Plant area from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

New Delhi — In a landmark move to bolster national preparedness against hostile threats, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has ordered the conduct of large-scale civil defence mock drills across nearly 300 locations in India on May 7, 2025. This extensive exercise, the first of its kind in over five decades, will include high-value sites such as military installations, power plants, refineries, hydroelectric dams, and the national capital.

The last such nationwide civil defence drill was held in 1971—during the year India and Pakistan went to war—making the timing of this operation especially significant. The mock drills aim to simulate wartime conditions, enhance public readiness, and ensure strategic infrastructure is shielded from aerial detection or attack.

Air Raid Protocols Revived

As part of the exercise, states and union territories have been instructed to activate air raid warning sirens and train civilians in basic self-protection and emergency response. A structured four-tier air raid alert system will be practiced:

• Message Yellow: A confidential forecast indicating likely enemy aircraft activity.

• Message Red: A warning of imminent aerial attack on specific towns.

• Message Green: Clearance indicating raiding aircraft have departed.

• Message White: Cancellation of earlier threat under Message Yellow.

Sirens are expected to be sounded publicly following the ‘Red’ alert, simulating the need for rapid sheltering from incoming threats.

Blackouts, Camouflage & Civilian Training

States have also been directed to conduct crash blackouts—an essential wartime tactic to reduce visibility from enemy aircraft. The MHA’s advisory notes that effective blackouts can hinder the operations of advanced high-speed aircraft, increasing pilot uncertainty in low-visibility conditions. The operational goal: ensure no light is visible from 5,000 feet above ground level.

Critical infrastructure including airfields, telecom towers, rail yards, and fuel depots will be camouflaged during the drill. Citizens are instructed not to take photographs or disrupt these security exercises.

Public Preparedness and Safety Focus

Alongside siren testing and blackouts, the drill will:

• Train school students and residents in basic civil defence and emergency evacuation.

• Provide hands-on experience in firefighting, first aid, and emergency sheltering.

• Assess the effectiveness of control rooms and their backups, known as “shadow rooms”.

• Activate hotline and radio communications between civil administration and the Indian Air Force.

• Test the coordination and response capabilities of rescue and firefighting teams.

Military Drills Along Pakistan Border

Simultaneously, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct a major combat exercise in Rajasthan along the international border with Pakistan. A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued Tuesday evening announced the drill will commence at 9:30 PM on Wednesday and continue for approximately five and a half hours. Civilian flights near the border region will be temporarily suspended during the operation, as per media reports.

These drills mark a significant return to Cold War-era readiness strategies, tailored for modern threats, and reflect India’s increased emphasis on internal security and civil defence in a changing geopolitical landscape.

Key Objectives of the Exercise:

• To assess and enhance the preparedness of the civil defence systems.

• To educate and train citizens in emergency procedures and self-protection techniques.

• To ensure seamless coordination between local administration and the public during crisis situations.

Civil Defence Action Plan (Phased Activities):

1. Air Raid Warning Siren

What to Expect:
Siren alarms will be sounded at scheduled times to simulate an air raid scenario.

What to Do:

• Take immediate shelter indoors.

• Stay away from windows and doors.

• Remain inside until the “All Clear” siren is heard.

• If driving, pull over safely and seek shelter.

2. Self-Protection and Survival Training

What to Expect:
Live demonstrations and awareness drives will be conducted by local authorities, schools, and resident welfare associations (RWAs).

What to Do:

• Learn protective postures: Crouch – Cover – Hold on during an explosion or attack.

• Teach emergency steps and contact numbers to children.

• Keep a Go-Bag ready with:

  • First aid supplies

  • Drinking water

  • Flashlight and batteries

  • Dry food items

  • Personal ID, medicines, emergency contacts

3. Crash Blackout Drills

What to Expect:
Temporary power blackouts in designated areas.

What to Do:

• Switch off all lights (indoor and outdoor) when instructed.

• Use blackout curtains or thick cloth to block window light.

• Avoid using bright screens or flashlights unless necessary.

4. Camouflage of Critical Infrastructure

What to Expect:
Mock drills simulating the camouflage of vital installations like water tanks, telecom towers, and power stations.

What to Do:

• Avoid restricted zones and do not obstruct official activities.

• Do not take or circulate photographs or videos of these drills.

• Understand the strategic value of camouflaging during conflict scenarios.

5. Rehearsal of Evacuation Plans

What to Expect:
Evacuation rehearsals in select residential areas, schools, and workplaces.

What to Do:

• Identify the nearest and safest exit routes.

• Obey instructions from civil defence coordinators or wardens.

• Use stairs, not elevators.

• Assist the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities.

• Assemble at designated safe zones in an orderly manner.

Additional Preparedness Guidelines for Citizens:

6. Communication & Coordination

• Keep phones charged but limit use to emergencies.

• Save essential contacts:

  • Local police station

  • Civil defence control room

  • Nearest hospital

• Form local emergency response groups or WhatsApp groups for updates.

7. Stay Informed, Stay Calm

• This is only a simulation, not a real emergency.

• Remain calm and follow official directions.

• Do not spread unverified news or videos on social media.

8. Involvement of Schools and Offices

• Parents should encourage student participation.

• Offices must brief staff on drill timings and evacuation procedures.

• Management should test alarms, emergency exits, and readiness.

9. Citizen Volunteer Training

• Interested individuals can register with local civil defence units.

• Training will cover:

  • First aid

  • Crowd management

  • Basic emergency response