India to Hold Nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drill on May 7: Complete List of 244 Locations

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has launched a nationwide civil defence preparedness initiative with mock drills being conducted in 244 districts across the country on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The decision to carry out these large-scale exercises, codenamed ‘Operation Abhyas’, comes in the wake of a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. The tragic incident has led to a significant strengthening of security protocols and proactive planning by both central and state authorities to safeguard civilians against potential threats.

The main objective of Operation Abhyas is to enhance readiness and response mechanisms in the event of aerial or ground attacks. As part of the drill, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued directives to all state governments and Union Territories to implement a series of standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at testing the efficiency and speed of emergency services, awareness levels among the public, and coordination between various government departments.

Key components of the drill include the activation of air raid warning sirens and implementation of blackout protocols in pre-identified locations. These measures aim to simulate real-life emergency scenarios to help civilians and authorities understand how to respond effectively in such situations. Additionally, awareness campaigns are being run in schools, colleges, and public areas to educate people about safety practices during potential attacks.

To ensure widespread participation and community engagement, the Ministry has involved several youth organizations and educational institutions. National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) volunteers are playing an active role in organizing and executing the drills. School and college students are also being trained and involved, further extending the reach of the preparedness initiative.

The 244 districts participating in the mock drill have been carefully selected to represent all states and Union Territories in India. These districts have been categorized into three groups to streamline coordination and implementation across diverse geographical and administrative zones. This classification allows local administrations to customize the drill plans according to regional requirements and vulnerabilities.

Operation Abhyas is a part of the government's broader strategy to promote civil defence awareness and foster a culture of emergency readiness across all sections of society. Officials emphasized that these mock drills are not just symbolic exercises but critical steps toward building a resilient civilian infrastructure capable of withstanding national security threats.

Authorities believe that through such drills, public confidence can be enhanced, and communities can be better prepared to act swiftly and responsibly during real emergencies. This effort reflects the government’s commitment to national safety and its proactive approach in light of emerging regional threats. The initiative also underscores the importance of civic participation and institutional collaboration in strengthening India’s internal security framework.