Air Raid Sirens, Training Civilians, Camouflage: MHA Orders States To Hold Mock Drills On May 7

The Union Home Ministry directed several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to enhance civil defense preparedness.

By : ABP Live News | Updated at : 05 May 2025 10:10 PM (IST)

File Photo of Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Source : PTI

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all States and Union Territories to conduct a nationwide Civil Defence mock drill on 7 May 2025, covering all 244 categorised Civil Defence districts across the country. The decision, as per an official communication dated 5 May 2025, comes amid a heightened state of security following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The mock training on civil defence aspects is to protect themselves in the event of a "hostile attack."

In an order addressed to the Chief Secretaries of all States and Administrators of Union Territories, the Ministry stated that the drill would be carried out down to the village level to assess and enhance Civil Defence preparedness. The exercise is being held under the powers conferred by Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968.

The objectives of the mock drill include assessing the effectiveness of air raid warning systems, operationalising communication links with the Indian Air Force, testing the functionality of control and shadow control rooms, training civilians on protection during hostile attacks, verifying the activation of Civil Defence services such as firefighting and rescue operations, and evaluating crash blackout and evacuation plans.

The Ministry has directed the Directors of Civil Defence in all States and UTs to ensure active participation of stakeholders including District Controllers, Civil Defence Wardens and Volunteers, Home Guard personnel (active and reservists), NCC, NSS, NYKS, and school and college students.

"Civil Defence is considered an integral component of Nation's Passive Defence strategy. The implementation of Civil Defence measures in the vulnerable areas is governed by the Civil Defence Act, 1968. In the current geo-political scenario, new and complex threats/challenges have emerged, hence, it would be prudent that optimum Civil Defence preparedness in the States/UTs is maintained at all times," the MHA stated in a prior communiqué dated May 2.

Drill In View Of 'Heightened Threat Perception' Across Country, Official Says

According to a senior police officer quoted by PTI, the drill is being conducted in light of the Pahalgam terror strike and the “heightened threat perception across the country.” He said police have undertaken robust security measures to maintain law and order and ensure public safety.

“Senior officers of all the districts are personally overseeing the field-level deployments. They are coordinating with the ACPs and SHOs concerned and guiding their teams to ensure optimum utilisation of resources at the police station level,” the officer said.

Another official added that foot patrolling has been significantly intensified, especially during the evening and night hours. Special patrol units have been deployed in key areas including Connaught Place, India Gate, Janpath, Yashwant Palace, Gole Market and other critical installations. “Enhanced presence of personnel in the form of motorcycle patrols and special pickets in high-density areas ensures constant police presence,” he said, as per PTI.

Police have also mobilised Bomb Disposal Squads and dog squads for anti-sabotage checks in crowded locations such as Palika Bazaar, Janpath, Khan Market and areas surrounding government buildings.

Rigorous anti-terror measures are underway, including vehicle-checking drives and the erection of multiple checkposts at key access control points. Officers have been instructed to pay particular attention to rental and unregistered vehicles.

Additionally, meetings are being held with members of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Welfare Associations (MWAs), Nagrik Suraksha Samitis, and private security guards stationed at vital installations. “They are very important and they have been asked to contact senior police officers immediately in any concerning condition,” the officer noted. These groups are also being briefed on the need to maintain heightened vigilance and to promptly report any suspicious activity.

Another officer said that police are liaising with hotel staff to ensure thorough verification of all guests. “We urge all residents and visitors to remain vigilant and encourage them to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through the emergency number,” he said.

The mock drill will include the activation of air-raid sirens, civilian training, crash-blackout procedures, camouflaging of vital installations, and rehearsals of evacuation plans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, has held a series of high-level meetings with senior defence officials to weigh India’s response to the Pahalgam attack. Modi has vowed to bring the perpetrators and conspirators of the attack to justice, declaring that they would be pursued “to the ends of the earth” and punished “beyond their imagination.”

Input By : Abhishek Nayan
Also read
Ferozepur Cantonment Holds Blackout Drill Amid India-Pakistan Tensions After Pahalgam Terror Attack: Video

As India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate, Cyber Warfare & Data Breaches Could Tip The Balance

Published at : 05 May 2025 06:59 PM (IST)
Tags :
Ministry Of Home Affairs Union Home Ministry MHA Breaking News ABP Live Jammu Kashmir Pahalgam Terror Attack Pahalgam Attack Pahalgam Terrorist Attack

Follow Breaking News on ABP Live for more latest stories and trending topics. Watch breaking news and top headlines online on ABP News LIVE TV
View More
Sponsored Links by Taboola