Mock drill India: Things to remember during the May 7 war-like emergency blackout exercise as India strikes Pakistan

The Government of India has announced a countrywide civil defence mock drill to be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, following the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 Indian tourists. The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed 244 districts to carry out the drill, which will include blackout exercises, air raid sirens, evacuation protocols, and public awareness sessions aimed at preparing civilians for emergencies resembling wartime situations.

India Strikes Pakistan

On Wednesday, India launched missile strikes targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The Indian government stated that the strikes were aimed at terrorist infrastructure linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, in response to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists. India's Ministry of Defence described the operation as "focused, measured and non-escalatory," asserting that no Pakistani civilian or military facilities were targeted. However, Pakistani officials reported civilian casualties and condemned the strikes as an "act of war."

Civil defence mock drill planned amid heightened border tensions

The planned drill is designed to assess how prepared civilians are in the event of a crisis. Authorities clarified that the drill is not an indication of any immediate threat or escalation but is part of standard civil defence measures. The exercise is being conducted under the provisions of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, with instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on May 2.

What is a civil defence mock drill?

A civil defence mock drill is a training activity to test the response of the public and emergency systems during scenarios like missile strikes, air raids, or armed conflict. The drills simulate real-world situations — cities experience blackouts, sirens are sounded, residents practice emergency sheltering, and response teams are activated. These drills aim to improve awareness, minimise panic, and ensure better coordination in crisis situations.

Also Read: From Dal Lake to Marine Drive: How Indian cities are bracing for tomorrow's air raids, blackouts, and evacuation mock drills

Drills based on Cold War-era methods

These types of civil defence activities were widely practiced during the Cold War, when nations regularly conducted blackout and evacuation drills in anticipation of air raids or nuclear threats. With the current rise in tensions and security concerns, India is bringing back similar preparedness efforts.

What people may experience during mock drill blackouts on May 7

During the mock drill scheduled for May 7, people may experience short-term blackouts, possible mobile network disruptions, and traffic redirections. Authorities could also carry out evacuation drills and make public announcements. In some locations, security forces such as police and paramilitary units may simulate emergency situations to test readiness.

Things to remember during the Civil Defence mock drill or Blackout

• Stay calm and follow local instructions
  
• Keep basic supplies like water, medicines, and flashlights ready
  
• Avoid sharing rumours or unverified news on social media
  
• Do not panic if power or internet goes down briefly
  
• Listen to radio or government channels for official updates
  
  

What the civil defence mock drill on May 7 means for the public

The government wants people to treat this as a preparedness exercise. It is not a sign of panic. The drill allows both the authorities and the public to understand their roles better. Officials are expected to assess the outcome and make improvements if needed.

What will happen during mock drill on May 7?

On May 7, the drills will be carried out across officially notified Civil Defence districts in coordination with state and district authorities. Participants will include Civil Defence wardens, Home Guards, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) members, and students from schools and colleges.

Citizens may experience short-term power cuts, blackout simulations, loud sirens, and restricted access to certain public areas. Traffic may also be diverted temporarily in some cities. These are part of a controlled exercise and not actual threats.

Breakdown of civil defence mock drill activities

Air Raid Sirens
Sirens will be activated to test public alert systems. These serve as warnings in case of incoming aerial threats, allowing people time to take cover.

Crash Blackouts
Cities may switch off visible lights to mimic blackout conditions used during wars. This reduces the risk of detection during night-time airstrikes. India last used this method extensively in 1971.

Camouflage Exercises
Critical installations — including communication towers, power plants, and military areas — will undergo camouflage operations to test concealment techniques from aerial or satellite monitoring.

Evacuation Drills
Authorities will simulate evacuations from high-risk zones to safer locations. These drills help identify logistical issues and improve response time.

Civilian Training Sessions
Schools, colleges, offices, and community centres will host awareness sessions. These will teach people how to find shelter, use basic first aid, and stay calm during emergencies.

Who will conduct the Civil Defence Mock Drill on May 27?

The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed every participating district and state to involve a wide range of personnel and volunteers:

• District Authorities for coordination
• Home Guards and Civil Defence Wardens for ground operations
• NCC, NSS, NYKS volunteers, and students for awareness and support roles

After the drill, each state and union territory must submit an "Action Taken Report" documenting the event, response gaps, and recommendations.

Early blackout drills already underway

Some areas have already begun similar exercises. On Sunday evening, Ferozepur Cantonment in Punjab held a 30-minute blackout drill. Located near the India-Pakistan border, the area is among those on high alert. The drill served as a preview of the upcoming nationwide exercise.

Policy roots and long-term planning

This move is aligned with the Centre’s long-term strategy to boost civil preparedness. The renewed push began at the 'Chintan Shivir' in October 2022, where top leaders stressed the need for nationwide readiness. A follow-up letter from the Union Home Secretary in January 2023 called for strengthening civil defence, particularly in border and coastal regions.

India’s civil defence drill on May 7 is a planned measure aimed at improving national readiness. While the context is serious, the intention is precautionary. Public cooperation and awareness are key to making such drills effective and meaningful.