27 Assam Sites Selected for Statewide Mock Drills on May 7

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states and union territories to conduct a nationwide mock drill on May 7 as part of a large-scale civil defence preparedness exercise. The drill will be held across 244 designated civil defence districts throughout the country, including 27 key locations in Assam. Out of these 27 locations, 23 fall under Category II and 4 under Category III, highlighting the varying levels of preparedness and risk assessment across different regions.

The mock drills are being conducted to assess the operational effectiveness of emergency protocols and infrastructure. These drills will specifically test the performance of air-raid warning sirens, and will include critical exercises such as crash-blackout procedures, early camouflage of important infrastructure, and rehearsals of evacuation plans. The focus is on simulating realistic emergency scenarios to improve coordination and responsiveness during actual crises.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the exercise is designed to be comprehensive and will extend down to the village level. This level of planning aims to ensure that all layers of the civil defence mechanism across the country are tested and enhanced. The ministry emphasized that the objective is to assess and improve the readiness of civil defence systems in all states and union territories.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, during a press briefing at Lok Sewa Bhawan, confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs had issued the directive. He added that the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the upcoming drill would be released following a meeting between the Chief Secretaries of the states and the Union Home Secretary. This meeting is intended to align all participating states on the implementation details of the drill and ensure consistent execution across regions.

During the preparatory meeting chaired by the Union Home Secretary, officials reviewed the state of readiness across districts and discussed the need to strengthen civil defence infrastructure where necessary. The meeting, which saw participation from officials across the country — many via video conferencing — also included updates on the setup of hotlines, control rooms, and the establishment of radio communication links with the Indian Air Force. These elements are expected to play a crucial role during the mock drill in simulating a real-world emergency response environment.

Additionally, civilians have been advised to keep essential emergency supplies such as first-aid kits, torches, candles, and cash readily available. This precaution is especially important in case digital financial systems become inoperative during an emergency. This approach reflects a holistic preparedness plan that not only involves authorities but also encourages citizen participation.

It is worth noting that the last mock drill of this scale was conducted in the lead-up to the 1971 war between India and Pakistan. That conflict eventually led to the creation of Bangladesh. The current exercise represents a renewed emphasis on national readiness and the importance of civil defence in today’s complex security environment.

The initiative demonstrates the government’s proactive approach in preparing the nation for unforeseen emergencies and ensuring that both administrative mechanisms and citizens are well-equipped to respond effectively.