• Source:JND
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Mock Drill On May 7: India is preparing to carry out a large-scale national security drill on Wednesday, May 7, amid growing tensions with Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed all states to conduct these mock exercises, highlighting the evolving and complex security challenges after the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.

The Civil Defence Officer announced that the nationwide security mock drill will begin at 4 PM tomorrow across all 244 designated districts and may continue for up to five hours.

The last time India conducted such extensive mock drills was back in 1971, during the Indo-Pak war. This upcoming exercise will involve not just the police, paramilitary, and military forces, but also students, government and private employees, hospital staff, and personnel from railways and metro services.

Mock Drill On May 7: What to Expect During the Mock Drill?

The central government has directed all states and Union Territories to conduct these drills in 244 Civil Defence Districts. However, sources told PTI that over 300 districts especially those housing critical infrastructure like nuclear plants, defence bases, oil refineries, and hydroelectric dams will also take part.

Civil Defence Districts are areas designated for implementing civil defence protocols, usually chosen due to their proximity to borders, strategic assets, or vital transportation networks.

As part of the drill:

- Air raid sirens will be sounded.

- Selected regions will undergo temporary blackout simulations.

- Civilians will be trained on how to respond during aerial or ground attacks.

Additional actions include:

- Testing emergency control room responses.

- Practising evacuation procedures.

- Camouflaging vital infrastructure like power plants.

- Cleaning and inspecting bunkers and trenches.

- Activating Civil Defence services like rescue teams, fire brigades, and communication lines with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

These drills are backed by the Civil Defence Act of 1968, which allows the government to impose curfews, restrict public movement, and shut down transport services during emergencies.

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Mock Drill On May 7: How the Mock Drill Might Affect the Public?

Temporary power cuts are expected due to crash blackout measures. These blackouts simulate wartime conditions, aiming to shield civilians and important infrastructure from enemy attacks.

A 2003 Civil Defence document states that during blackouts, no light should be visible up to 5,000 feet above ground under normal visibility conditions. The darkness helps disorient enemy pilots, making it harder for them to identify and strike targets.

Streetlights, factory lights, and vehicle headlights will be gradually switched off. Bright advertisements and signs in sensitive zones will also be turned off. Inside buildings, lights can only be used if fully covered with thick, dark materials to prevent visibility from outside.

People are advised to:

- Stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

- Use blackout curtains or blinds.

- Turn off all outdoor lighting during the drill.

In case of an air raid siren:

- Vehicles will be stopped.

- People must seek immediate shelter in designated safe zones like basements, underground parking areas, or bunkers.

Those in high-risk towns or villages may be evacuated to safer locations. The advisory urges the public to follow official announcements only and remain calm during the sirens.

Communication networks may be disrupted briefly. Non-essential mobile phone use is discouraged to keep lines free for emergency services.

ALSO READ: India Gears Up For Major Air Drills Along International Border Amid Heightened Tensions With Pakistan

Mock Drill On May 7: Prepare a Basic Emergency Kit

People should keep an emergency kit ready with:

- Drinking water and non-perishable food.

- A flashlight and batteries.

- First aid supplies and essential medicines.

- Some cash in case of digital payment disruption.

- A list of emergency contacts.

Residents near key government or defence sites should avoid sharing any information online and report suspicious activity immediately. They're also advised not to interfere with camouflage operations being carried out by the authorities.