Mock Drill On May 7: What Activities Will Be Conducted During Civil Defence Drills? Will Schools, Banks Remain Closed?

Mock Drill Tomorrow: India is preparing to carry out its first large-scale civil defence drills since the 1971 war with Pakistan, following heightened tensions triggered by a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The nationwide mock drills, scheduled for May 7, aim to prepare civilians for potential wartime scenarios and will be held across 259 locations in states and union territories.

The move comes days after a deadly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which has intensified ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured the nation that those responsible will be brought to justice.

In response, security has been tightened across the country. Police have increased both day and night patrols, especially in high-footfall areas such as Connaught Place, India Gate, Janpath, Yashwant Place, and Gole Market. Thorough vehicle checks are underway, with a focus on identifying unregistered or rental vehicles that could pose a threat.

What Activities Will Be Carried Out During the Mock Drills?

The mock exercises will focus on emergency situations such as air raids, mass evacuations, blackout protocols, and safety procedures for civilians during hostile attacks. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) will be deployed to guide civilians through the procedures for hostile scenarios.

Although India lacks dedicated civil defence bunkers, everyday structures such as underground subways and basements will be used during the drills to simulate makeshift shelters. Officials stress that these areas can offer significant protection during aerial attacks.

As part of the operation, air-raid sirens will sound, triggering evacuation drills, while agencies test blackout protocols, camouflage techniques for vital infrastructure, and real-time communication with the Indian Air Force. Control rooms and backup systems will also be activated to assess readiness and response times.

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Will Daily Life Be Affected by the Mock Drills?

Despite the nationwide scale of the civil defence drills on May 7, the government has not issued any notices about the suspension of regular services, including schools, colleges, or public institutions.

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Are Schools, Colleges, and Banks Closed?

Currently, there are no official directives regarding the closure of educational institutions. Students are encouraged to stay in touch with their respective schools or colleges for real-time updates.

Banks will remain open nationwide, and there is no indication of disruptions to transport services, including trains, buses, and flights. Essential services such as hospitals, emergency responders, and utility providers—will continue to operate normally.

However, authorities have cautioned that temporary road closures, minor traffic delays, and short-term internet outages may occur in some areas as part of the drills. Officials emphasise that these are precautionary and part of the overall preparedness strategy.