New Delhi :6th May
In a significant move to bolster national emergency preparedness, the Indian government has announced a comprehensive civil defence drill scheduled for tomorrow, May 7, 2025. This extensive exercise will be conducted across 244 districts in 21 states and union territories, including strategic locations such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, Puducherry, Durg, Visakhapatnam, Agartala, and Dehradun. The drill aims to assess the country’s readiness to respond to various emergency scenarios, such as power outages, mass evacuations, and the activation of emergency communication systems.
The nationwide drill, organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, comes in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives. This event has underscored the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness against potential threats.
Key components of the drill include controlled blackouts in select urban areas, scheduled to last between 30 to 60 minutes, to test the resilience of backup power systems in critical infrastructure like hospitals, emergency control centers, and public transportation networks. Residents are advised to charge essential devices, prepare flashlights, and avoid using elevators during these periods. Simulated evacuations will occur in high-density public spaces, including metro stations, shopping malls, schools, airports, and government offices. Trained personnel will guide individuals to safety, demonstrating proper use of emergency exits and promoting calm behavior during crises. The drill will also assess the efficiency of emergency hotlines and the dissemination of alerts through SMS, radio, and television. Citizens are encouraged to follow instructions provided in these alerts and report any issues to the designated emergency numbers.
Minor delays may occur in cities where transportation hubs are part of the simulation, and authorities request travelers to plan accordingly and remain patient during the drill. Hospitals and clinics in the drill zones will conduct simulations of mass casualty events to evaluate response times and patient management capabilities, with routine medical services expected to continue without interruption. Given the rise in global cyber threats, the drill will include simulated cyberattacks on government websites, banking systems, power grids, and telecommunication services to test the robustness of digital infrastructure. Schools and colleges will educate students on basic emergency responses, such as fire drills and crowd safety measures, to instill a culture of preparedness from a young age. Offices, particularly those in high-rise buildings, will conduct evacuation drills and assess the effectiveness of work-from-home contingency plans, ensuring emergency equipment is inspected for readiness. Volunteers and NGOs will assist vulnerable populations, distribute informational materials, and help maintain order during the exercises.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has emphasized that this is a planned simulation with no actual threat. Citizens are urged to remain calm, participate earnestly, and avoid spreading misinformation through social media, with all official updates communicated through verified government channels. Post-drill, the government will solicit feedback from participants to identify areas for improvement and enhance the nation’s disaster management strategies. This nationwide exercise underscores the collective responsibility of citizens and authorities in building a resilient and secure India.
