In response to escalating tensions with Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has scheduled comprehensive civil defence drills across 244 districts in India on May 7, 2025. These exercises aim to assess and enhance the nation’s preparedness for potential hostile actions.
The MHA’s directive outlines a series of coordinated activities, including the activation of air raid warning sirens, implementation of blackout measures, and rehearsals of evacuation protocols. Additional components involve the operationalisation of hotline and radio communication links with the Indian Air Force, training civilians and students in self-protection techniques, and camouflaging vital installations. The drills are designed to evaluate the readiness of Civil Defence mechanisms across states and Union Territories.
The decision to conduct these drills follows high-level meetings led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss India’s response to the Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, predominantly tourists. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh briefed the Prime Minister on the nation’s preparedness in the wake of the incident.
In a communication to Chief Secretaries, the Union Home Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining optimal Civil Defence preparedness amid emerging geopolitical threats. The Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards highlighted the need for such exercises to ensure readiness against complex challenges.
The drills coincide with heightened military activities in the region, including Pakistan’s recent missile tests and India’s own security measures. The situation remains fluid, with both nations taking steps to bolster their respective defence postures. The outcome of these drills will likely inform future strategies to address the evolving security landscape.
As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor the region closely, ensuring that all necessary precautions are in place to safeguard the nation’s security and public safety.
