Know everything about India’s historic mock drills on May 7

After over four decades, India is set to conduct a nationwide civil defence mock drill on Wednesday, aimed at testing emergency preparedness amid sour tensions with Pakistan post Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians on April 22.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has decided to organise Civil Defence Exercise and Rehearsal across the 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts of the country on May 7, 2025.

The conduct of the exercise is planned up to the village level. This exercise aims to assess and enhance the readiness of Civil Defence mechanisms across all states and Union Territories.

In the exercise, active participation of the district controller, various district authorities, civil defence wardens, volunteers, Home Guard (active / reservists volunteers), NCC, NSS, NYKS, college / school students is envisaged. The said Civil Defence Exercise is aimed to assess the operational efficacy and operational coordination of various Civil Defence measures.

What are Civil Defence districts in India?

Civil Defence districts are designated regions where the Centre actively implements civil defence programmes. These districts serve as administrative and operational hubs for preparedness activities in case of emergencies like wars, air raids, missile strikes, or large-scale terror attacks. Their role is to organise resources, train civilians and volunteers, and coordinate responses involving multiple government and civilian agencies.

Which are Civil Defence districts in Gujarat?

These 19 locations are divided into three categories:

First Category: Surat, Vadodara, Kakrapar

Second Category: Ahmedabad, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Gandhinagar, Bhavnagar, Kandla, Naliya, Ankleshwar, Okha, Vadinar

Third Category: Bharuch, Kutch, Mehsana, Narmada, and Navsari districts

What will happen during the mock drill?

–Sirens will be sounded to signal an air attack warning.

–Citizens and students will be trained on how to stay safe during an attack.

–Blackouts will be carried out even in major cities.

–People will be guided through safe evacuation drills.

–Efforts will be made to camouflage key institutional buildings.

What to do during the siren?

Step 1 - Do not panic. Reach a safe place immediately, ideally within 5 to 10 minutes. Stay indoors and avoid open areas. Pay close attention to government alerts via TV, radio, and official notices. Avoid rumors and strictly follow administrative instructions.