India's nationwide civil defence mock drill on 7 May 2025: What it is and why it matters?

On 7 May 2025, India will conduct a large-scale civil defence mock drill across 244 designated districts nationwide. Mandated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, this exercise is the first of its kind since the . Its primary purpose is to test and enhance the country's preparedness for war-like emergencies such as missile strikes or aerial attacks, especially amid rising regional tensions.

What will happen during the drill?

The drill will simulate wartime scenarios starting with the activation of air raid warning sirens in cities and vulnerable installations, signalling an imminent aerial threat and prompting civilians to seek shelter immediately. Blackout conditions will be enforced by switching off visible lights in public and private spaces to reduce visibility to potential attackers.

Civilians-including students and volunteers from organisations such as the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS)-will take part in evacuation rehearsals to practice orderly movement to safe zones. The exercise also includes training in basic civil defence techniques, early camouflaging of critical infrastructure, and testing communication networks and control rooms to ensure operational readiness.

#MockDrill : Amid the simmering #IndiaPakistan tensions, ministry of Home Affairs asks Chief Secretaries of all states to conduct civil defence #mockdrills on May 7 to strenthen Civil Defence preparedness @santwana99 @NewIndianXpress @jayanthjacob pic.twitter.com/Q87ez9TzKd

— Ejaz Kaiser (@KaiserEjaz) May 6, 2025

Why is the drill important?

Officially, the drill is touted as a means to enhance civilian awareness and readiness—training people to stay calm and act effectively during emergencies, which, in principle, could help save lives. It also doubles as a systems check for sirens, communication networks, and emergency services, ostensibly to uncover gaps in preparedness.

Yet, one can’t help but question the continued reliance on Cold War-era tactics in an age of cutting-edge surveillance, instant communication, and satellite intelligence. While technology has advanced significantly, the government insists on reviving these legacy practices, citing recent security threats such as terrorist attacks and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control.

The argument seems to be that these drills will miraculously boost coordination between civil authorities, defence forces, and volunteers—as if a few sirens and street-side rehearsals could replace robust strategy and modern crisis infrastructure.

In the end, the drill may do more to create the illusion of preparedness than to deliver meaningful readiness—though, at the very least, it gives everyone a role to play in a performance the state seems determined to stage.

Historical background: Last drill in 1971

India last conducted civil defence drills on this scale during the 1971 war with Pakistan, a conflict that led to the creation of Bangladesh. At that time, blackout sirens and enforced lights-out drills were common to protect civilians from air raids. Since then, despite other conflicts such as the 1999 Kargil War, no nationwide civil defence exercises of this magnitude have been held, making the upcoming drill a significant revival of preparedness protocols.

What should the people expect?

The government has advised citizens to remain calm during the drill, follow official instructions carefully, and keep essential supplies such as water, medicines, and flashlights ready. Temporary disruptions in power or communication may occur as part of the exercise but should not cause alarm. Authorities emphasise that the drill is a precautionary measure to enhance national security and not an indication of any immediate threat.