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India Conducts Nationwide Civil Defence Drill ‘Operation Abhyaas’ Amid Rising Tensions
On May 7, 2025, India undertook its most extensive civil defence exercise since the 1971 Indo-Pak war, dubbed ‘Operation Abhyaas.’ This nationwide mock drill, spanning 259 locations, aimed to bolster the country’s preparedness against potential hostile attacks, particularly in light of escalating tensions with Pakistan following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.
Key Details of the Drill
- Scope: The drill will be conducted across 259 locations nationwide, encompassing major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Pune .
- Objectives:
- Test and operationalize air raid warning systems.
- Simulate blackout conditions to prepare for potential air attacks.
- Train civilians, including students and volunteers, in civil defence protocols.
- Update and rehearse evacuation plans for critical infrastructure and public institutions .
- Activities:
- Activation of siren systems to signal mock air raids.
- Implementation of blackout measures, including power cuts in select areas.
- Conducting evacuation drills in schools, hospitals, and government offices.
- Deployment of civil defence personnel, including home guards and volunteers, to manage and assess readiness .
Objectives of Operation Abhyaas
The primary goals of the drill were to:
- Test and operationalize air raid warning systems.
- Simulate blackout conditions to prepare for potential air attacks.
- Train civilians, including students and volunteers, in civil defence protocols.
- Update and rehearse evacuation plans for critical infrastructure and public institutions.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) emphasized the importance of these drills in enhancing emergency preparedness and public safety mechanisms.
Nationwide Implementation
The drill was conducted across various states and union territories, with specific activities tailored to regional needs:
- Delhi: Enhanced security measures were implemented, with increased patrolling and coordination among emergency services. Schools were instructed to conduct disaster response training sessions for students and staff.
- Uttar Pradesh: A 10-minute blackout was observed in Bareilly district from 8:00 PM to 8:10 PM as part of the drill. Similar exercises were planned across other districts to test emergency response protocols.
- Kerala: Mock drills were conducted in 14 districts, focusing on assessing civil defence preparedness and public awareness.
- Maharashtra: Cities including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Aurangabad participated in the drills, with activities ranging from siren tests to evacuation procedures.
- Hyderabad: The drill commenced at 4:00 PM within the Outer Ring Road limits, simulating an incoming air raid scenario. Sirens were activated citywide, and emergency response units, including police, fire brigade, and medical teams, responded to simulated impacts at various locations.
- Nagaland: Ten districts, including Dimapur and Kohima, conducted drills involving simulations of air raids, building fires, and casualty evacuations. The exercises aimed to assess the operational efficacy and coordination of various civil defence measures.
Public Participation and Guidelines
Residents were advised to:
- Recognize Sirens: A long siren indicated a warning, while a short siren signaled that it was safe.
- Seek Shelter: Move indoors promptly upon hearing warning sirens.
- Stay Informed: Monitor official updates through radios and televisions.
- Ensure Safety: Switch off gas and electrical appliances to prevent accidents.
- Prepare Essentials: Keep emergency kits ready, including flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies.
The Delhi Directorate of Education directed all school heads to organize training sessions for students and teachers on disaster response, promoting a culture of safety and preparedness.
Integration with Military Exercises
Coinciding with Operation Abhyaas, the Indian Air Force (IAF) launched a two-day high-intensity aerial exercise over the desert sector and adjoining areas along the Western border. This exercise involved all frontline aircraft, including Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi-30s, aiming to test coordination, response times, and emergency preparedness.
Conclusion
Operation Abhyaas marked a significant step in India’s efforts to enhance its civil defence capabilities amid rising security concerns. By involving various stakeholders, including civilians, educational institutions, and emergency services, the drill aimed to foster a culture of preparedness and resilience across the nation. The integration of such comprehensive exercises is crucial in ensuring the country’s readiness to respond effectively to potential threats.
India is set to conduct a nationwide civil defence mock drill on May 7, 2025, marking the most extensive such exercise since the 1971 Indo-Pak war. This large-scale preparedness initiative, dubbed “Operation Abhyaas,” comes in response to escalating tensions with Pakistan following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians .
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