India to conduct nationwide civil defence mock drill on 7 May, Know What to do in case of Attack

India will conduct a nationwide civil defence mock drill on Wednesday, 7 May, across 244 districts. This drill is especially important right now, as it comes after rising tensions with Pakistan following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. Recently, India carried out Operation Sindoor to take revenge of the attack in Pahalgam.

This is the first national-level civil defence drill since the 1971 India-Pakistan war and will help the country prepare for emergency wartime situations, like air raids and blackouts. The Union Home Ministry has asked all states and Union Territories to participate, due to the “new and complex threats” seen after the April 22 attack.

These drills, codenamed ‘Operation Abhyas’, will be held across the country. State governments and Union Territories have been directed to activate air raid warning sirens, implement blackout protocols in designated areas, and educate civilians, including students, on safety measures to adopt during potential aerial or ground attacks. The mock drill timing in most regions is set for 4 PM, with variations in blackout timings, in Bareilly from 8 PM to 8:10 PM, in Vishakhapatnam at 7 PM. The Full list of locations where mock drill will be conducted is given at last.

What Is a Civil Defence Mock Drill?

A civil defence drill is a practice run to prepare citizens and authorities for emergencies like war, terror attacks, or natural disasters. The aim is to teach people how to stay safe, act calmly, and cooperate with authorities.

Blackout Action Plan

In case of any attack, you should follow below guidelines.

🏠 How to Prepare at Home:

• Use blackout curtains or thick cloth to block light from windows.
• Get used to staying in your home without lights during a blackout.
• Turn off all outdoor lights when the drill starts.
• Practice a blackout drill at home with your family.

⚠️ What To Do During the Drill:

• Turn off or cover all lights, including from TVs, mobiles, and laptops.
• Keep torches and candles ready, but do not place them near windows.

🚫 What NOT To Do:

• Don’t leave any visible lights on.
• Don’t go outside unless it’s really necessary.

Camouflaging Vital installations

These are important places like power stations, airports, or government buildings that need protection.

🧠 How to Prepare:

• Report anything suspicious near important buildings to the police or local officials.
• Don’t share sensitive information (like where power grids or military posts are) online or in messages.

⚠️ What To Do During the Drill:

• Watch how the government hides or protects vital installations—this is for your safety.
• Help officials by not blocking their way or causing confusion.

🚫 What NOT To Do:

• Don’t enter restricted areas or interfere with camouflage work.
• Don’t click photos or post anything online about the drill.

🚨 Air Raid Warning Sirens

Sirens are used to alert people about possible air attacks.

🧠 How to Prepare:

• Learn the meaning of different siren sounds:
  • Long continuous sound = Air raid alert.
  • Short bursts = All clear.
• Know where the nearest safe places are—like basements, underground parking, or safe zones.
• Keep a basic emergency kit ready with:
  • Torch with batteries
  • Bottled water
  • Non-perishable food (like biscuits)
  • First-aid kit

⚠️ What To Do During the Drill:

• Stop whatever you’re doing outdoors and go to the nearest shelter.
• Avoid using your phone, unless it’s urgent.
• Follow instructions from police or civil defence volunteers.

🚫 What NOT To Do:

• Don’t ignore the sirens.
• Don’t panic or spread false information.

By staying calm and prepared, every citizen plays a role in national security. These drills may seem simple, but they help save lives in real emergencies. Watch official videos released by the Government of India.

The Government of India has released Blackout Action Plan which is an important part of civil defence preparedness. What to do during a blackout drill:

➡️ Turn off all lights
➡️ Close all curtains properly
➡️ Switch off mobile phones, TVs, laptops, and other devices
➡️ If an… pic.twitter.com/ONjcsmI3m9

— Hellobanker (@Hellobanker_in) May 7, 2025

Full list of 244 locations where drill will be conducted

Category I districts require full implementation of civil defence programs, whilst Category II and Category III require partial implementation in varying degrees.

Full list 244 Indian districts which will conduct civil defence mock drill today: