Pune: In light of growing security challenges stemming from the current global and regional geopolitical developments, the Union Home Ministry has announced a large-scale Civil Defence Exercise across 244 designated districts in the country on Wednesday, May 7.
The move follows a series of high-level meetings chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people, most of whom were tourists.
According to a directive issued by the Home Ministry to state chief secretaries and Union Territory administrators, the mock drill will include the activation of air-raid warning sirens, civilian preparedness training, and the cleaning and maintenance of bunkers and trenches.
Other critical measures outlined for the simulation include implementing crash-blackout protocols, concealing critical infrastructure through early camouflage, and updating and rehearsing emergency evacuation procedures.
As part of the preparedness effort, communication links—both hotline and radio—with the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be tested. Control rooms and alternative “shadow” control centres will also be assessed for their operational readiness.
The ministry emphasised that the drills will extend to the village level, aiming to evaluate and enhance civil defence preparedness nationwide.
A wide range of participants is expected to take part, including district officials, civil defence wardens and volunteers, home guards (both active and reserve), NCC and NSS cadets, members of the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and students from schools and colleges.
This is the most comprehensive nationwide civil defence initiative since the exercises conducted during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, reflecting the seriousness with which the government is treating current national security threats.
