Tue May 06 21:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Delhi to Sound Air Raid Sirens in Nationwide Civil Defence Drill

**New Delhi, India** – Delhi will participate in a nationwide civil defence mock drill, “Operation Abhyaas,” on Wednesday, testing the city’s emergency response capabilities. At approximately 4 pm, sixty air raid sirens will blare across the capital, signaling the start of the exercise, which will involve thousands of volunteers, police, rescue teams, and government officials.

The drill, organized by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), will simulate a range of emergencies including air raids, urban fires, and mass casualty evacuations. Over 55 locations across Delhi’s 11 districts will be involved, with each district deploying at least 100 Civil Defence Volunteers (CDVs). The scenarios will test the city’s coordinated response to a multi-layered crisis, including blackout procedures, communication with the Indian Air Force, and the activation of control rooms and evacuation protocols. A brief city-wide blackout is also planned for 7 pm, though the exact scope remains unconfirmed.

The drill will also include training exercises in approximately 660 schools, teaching students shelter protocols and emergency preparedness. The MHA emphasized that the drill is designed to be non-disruptive to daily life, with markets, banks, and public transport expected to operate normally.

A dedicated control room at Delhi Police headquarters will monitor the exercise, utilizing over 1,500 CCTV cameras. Feedback from the drill will be used to refine civil defence protocols and inform future policies, including plans to install 500 permanent sirens across the city. The operation draws upon existing legal frameworks, including the Civil Defence Act, 1968, and aligns with international humanitarian standards.

Senior officials highlighted that “Operation Abhyaas” is not just a test of inter-agency coordination but also a message to the public about the importance of shared responsibility in civil defence. The exercise is intended to create a sustainable model for other cities across India.

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