On May 7, 2025, India conducted a nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drill, codenamed Operation Abhyas, across 244 districts. This large-scale exercise was organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to enhance emergency preparedness amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Purpose and Execution
The drills aimed to test and improve civil defence mechanisms, including:
- Air raid warning sirens and blackout protocols.
- Evacuation drills for civilians.
- Training sessions for students and volunteers.
- Coordination exercises involving police, fire services, and disaster response teams.
Historical Significance
This was the largest civil defence drill since 1971, when India conducted similar exercises during the Indo-Pakistani war. The recent drills were prompted by security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives.
Public Participation and Impact
Thousands of civil defence volunteers, NCC cadets, NSS members, and Home Guards took part in the drills. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad implemented blackout simulations and evacuation rehearsals to assess readiness.
