Mock drill in India trended across social media on Wednesday evening as scores of districts switched off street-lights, sounded air-raid sirens, and evacuated public buildings for a ten-minute emergency rehearsal. The exercise, ordered by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, involved 244 districts in 18 states and aimed to test how quickly local authorities can respond to an aerial threat or large-scale disaster.
What happened during the mock drill
Beginning at 6.00 pm IST, power utilities in selected neighbourhoods of Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Lucknow, and Hyderabad cut electricity for ten to fifteen minutes. Civil defence volunteers used loudspeakers to guide residents toward shelter points, while schools staged classroom evacuations. In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, the Canton Board High School conducted a blackout and stretcher drill that included basic first-aid for a mock casualty mint. Mumbai’s Cross Maidan saw teams from the National Disaster Response Force demonstrate sandbag bunkers and triage tents The Economic Times.
Why a mock drill now
Officials say the timing is linked to heightened border tensions after Indian airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir last week. The Home Ministry’s circular described the drill, code-named Operation Abhyaas, as a “preventive readiness measure” under the Disaster Management Act of 2005. Unlike smaller city-specific rehearsals, Wednesday’s simulation spanned multiple states so that central and state agencies could coordinate blackout protocols, telecom alerts, and medical response.
Scale and participation
- States covered: Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, and eight others
- Districts involved: 244 out of India’s 776 districts Vera Causa Legal
- Volunteers and personnel: About 10,000 civil defence members, NCC cadets, home guards, and Red Cross workers in Maharashtra alone, with similar numbers elsewhere The Times of India
- Key agencies: National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Forces, police, district magistrates, and public-sector power companies
Public reaction
Social media reactions ranged from curiosity to mild concern. Hashtags #MockDrillIndia and #OperationAbhyaas trended on X by 7.15 pm. Some users posted videos of air-raid sirens echoing through quiet neighbourhoods, while others asked why prior notice was not widespread. The Indian Express reported confusion in parts of South Delhi where shopkeepers briefly thought a transformer had failed The Indian Express. Authorities had issued advisories through local WhatsApp groups, district websites, and FM radio, but many residents said they learned of the drill only when lights went out.
Dos and don’ts circulated by officials
- Do remain calm and follow instructions from civil defence volunteers.
- Do move to the nearest designated shelter if asked.
- Do keep a small emergency kit, flashlight, water bottle, basic medicines, ready at home.
- Do not call emergency helplines unless there is an actual injury or fire.
- Do not share unverified rumours on social media.
The Economic Times guide added that ignoring drill instructions can attract penalties under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act, which covers obstruction of relief operationsThe Economic Times.
Expert view on preparedness
Retired NDRF director general Sanjay Kumar praised the scale of Wednesday’s drill, noting that “blackout logistics and public announcement systems are weak points that never get practice during flood rehearsals.” However, he cautioned that rural areas still lack clear evacuation signage. Disaster-risk consultant Anshu Sharma told LiveMint that regular drills build muscle memory: “If you rehearse yearly, citizens know where the nearest bunker or school basement is without panic.”
Next steps and future drills
The Home Ministry said preliminary feedback will be collected from district collectors by 10 May. A full after-action report is expected within thirty days and will guide the design of a larger national drill tentatively planned for November, just ahead of the winter session of Parliament. Officials in Delhi hinted that future simulations may include cyber-attack scenarios on power grids and mock hospital evacuations.
Takeaway for citizens
Wednesday’s mock drill in India offered a rare glimpse of wartime and disaster protocols. While the ten-minute blackout caused minor inconvenience, it highlighted the importance of keeping torches charged, knowing local shelter points, and paying attention to official advisories. As climatic events and security threats evolve, nationwide rehearsals like Operation Abhyaas could become an annual fixture, reinforcing the mantra that preparedness saves lives.
Sources
Economic Times – “Emergency mock defence drills begin across India today,” published 7 May 2025 The Economic Times
Indian Express live blog – “Mock Drill in India Today,” updated 7 May 2025 The Indian Express
Hindustan Times live update – Blackouts in Delhi and Noida, 7 May 2025 Hindustan Times
Times of India live coverage – civil defence volunteers and NDRF participation, 7 May 2025 The Times of India
Vera Causa Legal brief – FAQs on the May 7 drill and legal basis, 7 May 2025 Vera Causa Legal