New Delhi: India is conducting full-scale civil defense mock drills across 259 locations in 33 states and union territories today. This extensive exercise, known as Operation Abhyaas, is the largest of its kind since the 1971 India-Pakistan war
The nationwide exercise comes in response to heightened tensions following the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran valley near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 dead, mostly tourists.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed the drills to assess and enhance preparedness in the face of “new and complex threats” posed by a potential war-like situation.
Civil defense activities will focus on areas housing sensitive installations such as nuclear plants, military bases, hydroelectric dams, refineries, and major urban centers.
The drills, scheduled for 4:00 PM today, include activation of air-raid sirens, civilian training in survival techniques, evacuation rehearsals, testing of emergency communication lines with the Indian Air Force, and inspection of bunkers and trenches.
Blackout Action Plan is crucial component of civil defense preparedness. Staying calm & prepared during emergencies or hostile situations is key to ensuring national security. Regular drills & awareness of such plans can help citizens respond effectively in critical situations. pic.twitter.com/UBnxknCmzy
— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) May 6, 2025
“Crash-blackout measures, early camouflaging of key installations, and the testing of control room readiness are all integral parts of the simulation,” said a senior MHA official.
Educational institutions, hospitals, railway and metro staff, private companies, and law enforcement personnel actively participate. ‘Civil defense districts’, defined as zones with strategic importance, have been specially designated for this exercise.
The civil defense exercises are the most extensive since India’s last war with Pakistan in 1971. They are a clear indicator of the government’s proactive approach to emerging threats in the subcontinent’s tense geopolitical landscape.
While officials emphasize this is a preparedness initiative, the timing closely follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vow to hunt down those responsible for the Pahalgam attack “to the ends of the earth.”
Authorities have urged citizens not to panic during the drills, stressing their importance in strengthening national emergency response systems.
