On May 7, 2025, India conducted a large-scale nationwide civil defence exercise named Operation Abhyaas, marking the first such initiative since the 1971 war. The drill was initiated in response to heightened tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent military response under Operation Sindoor.
🔔 Key Highlights of the Mock Drill
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Air Raid Sirens: At 4 PM, sirens blared across major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, simulating incoming air raids.
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Blackout Protocols: Select regions, such as Indore and Chandigarh, observed scheduled blackouts ranging from 10 to 12 minutes to mimic wartime conditions.
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Evacuation and Safety Drills: Over 800 schools in Bokaro and institutions in cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Siliguri conducted evacuation drills, teaching students to seek cover and use school bags as protective shields.
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Public Infrastructure Involvement: Mock drills were executed at key locations, including Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Noida's Botanical Garden metro station, focusing on emergency response and crowd management.
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Emergency Preparedness: Citizens were advised to prepare emergency kits containing essentials like torches, candles, first aid supplies, and cash to navigate potential crises.
🧭 Objectives of Operation Abhyaas
The primary goals of the drill included:
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Evaluating the operational readiness of control rooms. I
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Activating civil defence services, including firefighting and rescue operations.
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Implementing blackout measures and camouflaging vital installations.
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Updating and rehearsing civil defence and evacuation plans.
❓What was the purpose of the mock drill?
The drill, named Operation Abhyaas, aimed to test and strengthen civil defence readiness across India. It focused on simulating wartime conditions, such as air raids and blackouts, and training civilians to respond effectively in emergencies.
❓Why was it conducted now?
The drill followed heightened military tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s counter-operation (Operation Sindoor). It’s the first national-level mock drill since the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
❓What time did the mock drill start?
The primary drill activity, including air raid sirens, began around 4:00 PM IST on May 7, 2025.
❓Where did the drills take place?
The drills were conducted nationwide, including:
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Metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru
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Schools and public institutions in Bokaro, Siliguri, Indore, Noida
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Infrastructure hubs like Mumbai’s CSMT and Noida’s Botanical Garden Metro Station
❓What activities were included in the drill?
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Air raid sirens and public alert systems
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Evacuation drills in schools and offices
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Blackout protocols in select cities
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Civil defence training and emergency response simulations
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Crowd control and emergency kit awareness campaigns
❓Were people required to participate?
Participation was encouraged but not mandatory. However, institutions like schools, hospitals, and transport hubs were directed to conduct drills seriously.
❓Was it a real emergency?
No, it was a simulated drill. Authorities clearly communicated in advance that this was a preparedness exercise.
❓How should citizens prepare for future drills or real emergencies?
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Keep emergency kits ready (torch, batteries, first-aid, cash)
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Know evacuation routes and local shelter points
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Stay updated through official government advisories
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Avoid panic and follow instructions from civil defence or emergency personnel