Mock Drill in India: What is it and How Does It Work? Check Full List of States and Cities

A Mock Drill or a Civil Defence Drill is an exercise meant to prepare the civilians and test the government management systems on how they respond to emergencies like attacks, strikes, or even war. During the drill, real life scenarios are created, say for example, the lights are turned off across the cities, air raid sirens, sheltering procedures and other emergency teams operating in real time. India has prepared for the first mock drill after since 1971 War. 

On the morning of May 7, 2025, the Operation Sindoor, was conducted by the Indian Armed Forces. It was a well-devised and target-specific military operation against nine terror establishments in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This strong action was taken in direct retaliation for the recent incident in Pahalgam on May 7. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced a Mock Drill on May 7 in the wake of the recent attack in Pahalgam. A press briefing was held at the National Media Centre, Delhi at 10:30 am today regarding the Operation Sindoor. 

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Press Briefing on #OperationSindoor

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How Does a Civil Defence Mock Drill Work?

• Planning and Coordination: Authorities (district magistrates and local authorities in most cases) organize the drill, choose participants, and organize with different agencies such as civil defence, police, fire authorities, health agencies, volunteers, and students.
• Activation of Warning Systems: Sirens on air raid warning are tested so that they operate and people respond to them properly when they blow.
• Blackout Simulations: Lights are switched off at preassigned locations to rehearse "blackout" drills, which serve to conceal critical installations from air raids.
• Evacuation Drills: Civilians are trained to evacuate to shelters or bunkers, particularly at exposed or border locations.
• Training Sessions: Civilians, pupils, and volunteers are provided with practical training in safety procedures, first aid, and emergency evacuation.
• Protection of Critical Installations: Governments simulate the ability to promptly camouflage or fortify key installations such as hospitals, power stations, and military bases.
• Assessment and Reporting: Following the exercise, officials review what was done well, where the gaps were, and provide reports for enhancements.

What to Expect During a Mock Drill

• Air raid sirens and public announcements
• Sudden blackouts or instructions to switch off lights
• Evacuation or movement to safe areas/bunkers
• Participation of local officials, volunteers, students, and emergency services
• Training on emergency procedures and first aid
• Coordination among various government agencies
• Rehearsal of communication systems and control rooms

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These drills are designed to ensure everyone knows what to do in a real emergency, making them an essential part of national preparedness.

What are the Activities Conducted in a Nationwide Mock Drill?

• Air Raid Sirens 

Air Raid Sirens will be activated to check the public alert systems. These will help in giving public warning in case of an emergency or threats.

• Blackouts

It might be advised to switch off all the visible lights in the city to clone the blackout conditions used during wars.

• Camouflage Exercises

Communication towers, power plants, and military areas are installed and these undergo certain tests to check concealment techniques from satellite monitoring systems. 

• Evacuation Drills 

Evacuation from high-risk zones will be conducted to safer locations. These drills will help in pointing out logistical problems and improve response time.

• Civilian Training Sessions 

Public places like schools, offices, and community centers will be conducting awareness sessions. These will help in raising awareness about how to find shelter, use basic first aid.

Also Checkout: History of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK)

List of All 244 Locations for the Mock Drill

May 7: Mock Drill in India

According to the directive of the Home Ministry, A Nationwide Mock drill will be conducted on May 7, 2025. It will focus on a lot of key activities for enhancing civil defence readiness across India.
"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," quoted from the letter from Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards.

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