India Launches Nationwide Civil Defence Drills Amid Escalating Tensions with Pakista

In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 civilians lost their lives, the Government of India has issued a directive for all states and Union Territories to conduct full-scale civil defence mock drills on May 7. The attack, linked to Pakistan-backed terrorist groups, has sharply escalated tensions between the two countries, leading to diplomatic and military ripples across the region.

This marks the first such nationwide preparedness exercise since 1971—the year India and Pakistan fought a war on two fronts. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is spearheading this initiative, emphasizing the need for heightened civil defence capabilities to counter potential hostile threats.

According to the MHA, the drills will be held in 244 officially designated Civil Defence districts under the Civil Defence Rules, 1968. The exercises will involve the activation of air raid sirens, crash blackout protocols, evacuation rehearsals, and training civilians, students, and local authorities in emergency response. Key agencies such as the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Home Guards, and local wardens will be mobilized for these drills.

Additional measures include testing communication links with the Indian Air Force, assessing the functionality of control rooms, camouflaging vital installations, and ensuring quick-response rescue and firefighting services. These steps are aimed at boosting India’s civil defence infrastructure at a time when national security is under acute stress.

In several regions, such as Punjab’s Ferozepur, lights were turned off during a blackout rehearsal—a key component of the drill to simulate a wartime emergency. Delhi Police have also ramped up security, with Deputy Commissioners of Police conducting strategic meetings to enhance patrolling and readiness across the capital.

At the political level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met with top defence officials, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force chiefs, and vowed strong retaliation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reassured the nation that the government will take decisive action.

Meanwhile, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and downsized Pakistan’s diplomatic presence. Pakistan has warned that any disruption of water flow would be treated as an act of war.

The May 7 drills are part of a larger message: India is preparing on all fronts.