Mock drill in India on May 7: What is it, what to expect? All your questions answered

Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, the government is preparing to execute one of the most extensive nationwide civil defence mock exercises in recent history.

The exercise, set for May 7, intends to evaluate the nation's readiness for hostile attacks through various emergency simulations.

Why now?
The drill comes just weeks after 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in a brutal terror attack in south Kashmir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a stern warning, saying that the perpetrators "will face punishment beyond their imagination."

In the wake of this, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) has subsequently directed all states and Union territories to enhance their civil defence preparations.

The directorate general fire service, civil defence and home guards has issued a communication highlighting "new and complex threats" requiring immediate attention, stressing the importance of maintaining optimal civil defence readiness .

What will happen during the drill?
The comprehensive drill encompasses various activities across civil defence districts, extending to village level, including:

• Air-raid siren activation: Testing systems to alert citizens in case of aerial threats.
• Blackout measures: Simulated power shutdowns to mimic stealth procedures during wartime.
• Bunker checks: Cleaning and inspecting underground shelters and trenches.
• Evacuation rehearsals: Moving civilians from vulnerable areas to safety.
• Communication drills: Operationalising hotlines and radio links with the Indian Air Force.
• Training civilians: First aid, firefighting, and emergency shelter use for volunteers, students, and home guards.
• Camouflaging critical infrastructure: Ensuring vital installations like power plants can be concealed quickly.
• Shadow control room tests: Simulating backup command centres in case main hubs are compromised.

"This is not just a drill. It's a rehearsal for reality," said a senior national disaster management authority official following a home ministry strategy session on Tuesday.

Who is involved?
The effort involves a wide network of district controllers, home guards, NCC cadets, NSS and NYKS volunteers, college and school students, and multiple civilian agencies. High-level coordination with the Indian Armed Forces and local police is also being emphasized.

The last time such extensive drills were organised was during high-tension periods following the Kargil War and after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. “Preparedness saves lives,” said a senior MHA official. “This exercise is as much about deterrence as it is about readiness.”