Tue May 06 20:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Nationwide Mock Drill Tests Emergency Preparedness Across India

**NEW DELHI, May 6** – A nationwide civil defence mock drill will be conducted across India on Wednesday, May 7, at 4 pm, marking the country’s first large-scale emergency preparedness exercise since 1971. The drill, coordinated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to assess the nation’s readiness to respond to a hostile attack.

The exercise will involve activating air-raid sirens, practicing evacuation protocols, and training personnel in bunker and trench cleaning procedures. Participation is widespread, with all states and union territories taking part.

Major cities such as Delhi (at 55 locations, involving 650 schools), Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and many others will conduct drills at various locations. Specific locations include key government buildings, schools, and industrial areas. In some regions, the drills will include a short blackout period to simulate conditions during an attack. For example, Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district will observe a 10-minute blackout from 8 pm to 8:10 pm. Gujarat will hold a citizen-led blackout from 7:30 pm to 8 pm. The Chandigarh administration will also conduct a 10-minute blackout drill.

While some states are conducting seven-day drills to comprehensively assess security systems and resource allocation, the majority of drills are scheduled for Wednesday at 4 pm. The drills will focus on different aspects of emergency preparedness, ranging from warning systems and evacuation procedures to resource mobilization and casualty management.

Authorities have emphasized that the mock drill is designed to identify weaknesses and improve preparedness, not to induce panic. Educational institutions have received instructions on how to conduct safe and effective drills for students and staff. While some exam schedules have been unaffected, officials have ensured that minimal disruption will occur during the drills. Citizens are being urged to cooperate fully.

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