On Wednesday, May 7, India will conduct a large-scale civil defense mock drill across 244 districts as part of a national preparedness exercise. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states and Union Territories to take part in the drills, prompted by rising geopolitical tensions with Pakistan following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. These drills are designed to simulate emergencies such as air raids, blackouts, and evacuations, testing the readiness of both authorities and the public to respond to potential threats.

The mock drills are an integral part of India’s passive defense strategy under the Civil Defence Act, 1968, with the MHA highlighting their importance due to the "new and complex threats" emerging from the tensions with Pakistan. The exercises will evaluate the implementation of evacuation plans, blackout procedures, communication with the Air Force, and public awareness.

Despite the drills, all banks, schools, colleges, government offices, and other public institutions are expected to function normally. The exercises are planned to cause minimal disruption to daily routines. Schools, however, have been instructed to carry out in-house training and participatory drills for students and staff. In Delhi, the Directorate of Education has mandated full participation, including simulated blackouts, safety protocols, and emergency drills led by teachers.

During the mock drills, citizens will experience air raid sirens, controlled blackouts in specific areas, evacuation rehearsals in schools and public buildings, shadow control room operations, rescue and firefighting simulations, training on sheltering techniques, and camouflaging of important installations. Communication tests with the Indian Air Force will also take place. In Delhi, Operation Abhyaas will be carried out across 55 locations at 4 pm, simulating airstrikes and other emergencies. Schools have received instructional videos to help train both staff and students on civil defense procedures.

Regarding power and internet services, short-duration blackouts may occur in certain areas, but these will be brief and voluntary. There have been no official indications of disruptions to mobile or internet services, though citizens are encouraged to stay informed through local updates and advisories. The mock drills will involve a variety of participants, including Civil Defence volunteers, Home Guards (both active and reservists), the National Cadet Corps (NCC), the National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), police forces, paramilitary units, and students and teachers. Authorities in major cities like Delhi have ramped up night patrols and inter-state coordination to ensure the smooth execution of the drills.