List of Major Cities Participating:
Delhi
Mumbai
Kolkata
Chennai
Bengaluru
Hyderabad
Ahmedabad
Lucknow
Jaipur
Pune
Chandigarh
Guwahati
Bhopal
Patna
Thiruvananthapuram
Nationwide Mock Drill: Preparing for Emergencies
India is set to conduct a nationwide civil defence mock drill on May 7, 2025, across 259 locations, including major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru. This drill, the first of its kind since 1971, aims to prepare civilians for wartime emergencies, including blackouts, air raid sirens, and evacuation protocols.
The exercise will involve air raid sirens, communication checks, and blackout simulations to test the efficiency of emergency response systems. Civilians, including students, will be trained in basic civil defence techniques, such as seeking shelter, responding to sirens, and following evacuation procedures. Additionally, critical infrastructure like power stations and communication towers will undergo camouflaging measures to simulate wartime conditions.
Authorities have designated 244 Civil Defence Districts to participate in the drill, with a special focus on border states like Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and West Bengal. These districts will conduct multi-hazard simulations, ensuring that local response teams, fire services, and rescue squads are fully prepared for emergencies.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has emphasized that this drill is a precautionary measure, not an indication of imminent conflict. However, given the current geopolitical tensions, the exercise serves as a critical preparedness initiative to ensure swift and coordinated responses in case of any national security threats.