The primary objective of the mock drills is to test and improve the readiness of civil defence mechanisms and the general public in the face of potential threats
Mock drills will be held in multiple locations across Assam tomorrow (May 7) after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) asked all States to conduct nationwide drills to check preparedness against “new and complex threats” as tensions between India and Pakistan soared after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Mock drills in Assam will be held in Bongaigaon, Dibrugarh, Dhubri, Goalpara, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Tinsukia, Tezpur, Digboi, Duliajan, Guwahati (Dispur), Rangia, Namrup, Nazira, North Lakhimpur, and Numaligarh under category-II, and Darrang, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Kokrajhar under category-III.
“In the current geo-political scenario, new and complex threats/challenges have emerged, hence, it would be prudent that optimum civil defence preparedness in the states/UTs is maintained at all times,” a letter from the Directorate General of Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards had earlier stated.
Key Features of May 7 Mock Drills
The exercise will be conducted across 244 civil defence districts in India, involving state governments, local authorities, and various civil defence organizations
Purpose of the Mock Drills
The primary objective is to test and improve the readiness of civil defence mechanisms and the general public in the face of potential threats, such as missile attacks or air raids. The drill is a proactive measure to ensure that emergency protocols are effective and that citizens are trained to respond appropriately during crises
Context and Significance
This is the first nationwide civil defence drill of its kind since 1971, reflecting the seriousness of the current geopolitical situation. The exercise follows recent military activities, including Pakistan’s missile tests and India’s own military preparedness initiatives, such as the Indian Air Force’s “Exercise Aakraman”
Purpose & Objectives
- Air Raid Warning Sirens: Activation of sirens to simulate aerial threats.
- Blackout Exercises: Temporary suspension of lights to practice blackout protocols.
- Evacuation Drills: Rehearsals for moving civilians to safety.
- Bunker Drills: Training on seeking shelter during attacks.
- Communication Tests: Operationalization of hotlines and radio links with the Indian Air Force.
- Camouflage Measures: Practices for concealing vital installations.
Participants: Civilians, students, civil defence wardens, firefighting units, rescue services, and volunteers from organizations like the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS).
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