MHA Orders Nationwide Mock Drills on May 7: Key Measures for States to Follow

In the wake of rising tensions with Pakistan and growing national security concerns, the Union Home Ministry has asked all states and Union Territories to conduct civil defence mock drills on Wednesday, May 7. The drills will take place in 244 districts identified for civil defence efforts and are meant to strengthen emergency preparedness across the country.

The move comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a series of top-level meetings in Delhi to discuss India’s response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives. It also follows two back-to-back missile tests carried out by Pakistan under “Exercise INDUS.” Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the successful launches show that the country’s defence is in “strong hands.”

In a letter to states, the Home Ministry pointed to the “current geo-political scenario” and the emergence of “new and complex threats,” saying it’s crucial to keep civil defence systems well-prepared and ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

What Will the Drills Include?

The nationwide drills are designed to:

• Test air raid warning systems.

• Check communication links with the Indian Air Force.

• Ensure that control rooms, including backup facilities, are fully functional.

• Train civilians—including students—on how to protect themselves during an emergency.

• Practice blackout measures in case of air raids.

• Simulate the camouflaging of critical infrastructure.

• Review and test evacuation plans.

• Assess the response of firefighting, rescue, and other civil defence teams.

The drills will be carried out even in rural areas and will involve district officials, civil defence volunteers, home guards, NCC and NSS members, Nehru Yuva Kendra teams, and students. The goal is to improve coordination and readiness at every level—from villages to state capitals.

Officials say the goal is to make sure every level of the system—from local communities to state capitals—is ready to act quickly and effectively in the event of a crisis. The exercise is being seen as a proactive step to reinforce India’s civil defence network and build public awareness in uncertain times.