• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

What Is Mock Drill: The Indian Army has conducted strikes on 9 terror bases in POK after the Pahalgam attack and shared a post on X, writing that Justice has been served under the "operation Sindoor." Indian missile strikes on May 7, 2025, at 1.44 AM destroyed terror bases like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. According to reports, at least 70 terrorists were killed in this strike, and Masood Azhar, an Islamist and Jaish-e-Mohammad founder, 's 10 family members died. 

On 5th May 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Indian government has already ordered all states and union territories to hold nationwide civil defence mock drills on May 7, 2025, as a significant step to improve emergency preparedness and national safety. The mock drill is set to be held in the 244 district along with the national capital, Delhi. The purpose of this extensive exercise is to evaluate the level of readiness of the public, hospitals, rescue teams and local authorities to deal with crises such as war, terrorist attacks or natural disasters.

In this article, let's take a look in detail at what Mock Drills are, why it is being conducted, what is the timing of mock drills and how the process will be followed and more. 

What is Mock Drill and Its Meaning?

what is mock drill in indiaMock Drill representative image (Image: ANI)

Mock drills are practice runs of emergency scenarios that are carried out without any real danger. They assist authorities and citizens in understanding what to do in the case of a real crisis. For example, during a fire drill, hospitals test their capacity to care for numerous victims, firefighters test their response time and people practice evacuation. These exercises help raise awareness, determine any systemic weaknesses and check the speed at which assistance can be provided.

Why Are These Drills Important?

The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead and many people wounded, has made the planning of these exercises even more urgent. Concerns regarding national security and the necessity of a quick emergency response in all areas have been brought up by this tragic incident.

Additionally, defence forces are on high alert due to the rising tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack. The purpose of the mock drills is to make sure that every state is prepared to deal with casualties, protect civilians and control panic in the event of the worst-case scenarios, such as bomb explosions, attacks on public areas or cross-border shelling.

Mock Drill Timing And Process

The mock drill is scheduled for 4:00 PM in almost all cities. Operation Abhyas will be carried out at 55 locations in the nation's capital, Delhi. Additionally, a mock drill featuring air sirens and blackouts will take place at 4:00 PM. The civil defence mock drills on 7th May will involve:

1. Evacuation exercises in schools, offices and public buildings
2. Rescue and relief operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire departments and local police
3. Hospital readiness checks to handle mass casualties
4. Awareness programs for citizens on how to act in emergencies
5. Simulation of a terror attack or a chemical leak in some areas for training purposes
6. These drills will also include participation from civil defence volunteers, NCC cadets, and local administration.

 

Which States Are Involved?

All states and union territories with 244 districts have been directed to participate. There will be high-intensity exercises with a particular emphasis on counter-terror response in areas designated as sensitive zones, such as Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, border towns in Rajasthan and major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

On May 7, people are being asked not to freak out if they see emergency sirens or rescue operations. This is a learning and public safety drill. Additionally, local authorities will make public announcements and distribute awareness pamphlets beforehand.

The Indian government's emphasis on conducting nationwide simulated exercises demonstrates its dedication to creating a populace that is resilient and cognizant. Such exercises can save lives and lessen chaos in actual crises, especially in light of recent security threats and cross-border tensions.

 

ALSO READ: Centre Directs States To Conduct Civil Defence Mock Drills As Tensions With Pakistan Rise