On May 7, 2025, India carried out a large-scale civil defence mock drill named ‘Operation Abhyas’ across 244 districts, beginning primarily at 4:00 PM IST and lasting approximately two hours. The exercise simulated an incoming air raid and included siren activation, blackout measures, fire emergency evacuations, search and rescue operations, casualty evacuation, temporary hospital setups, and civilian relocation to safe shelters.

Over 600,000 volunteers comprising students, government and private employees, healthcare professionals, and security personnel participated.

The drill was launched amid heightened security concerns following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and ongoing tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. Officials emphasised the drill’s role in testing and improving emergency response coordination and civil defence preparedness.

Operation Abhyas: Detailed Timeline and Drill Components

The mock drill commenced at 4:00 PM IST with the activation of air raid sirens in major metropolitan cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, as well as in sensitive border districts and areas housing critical infrastructure such as nuclear power plants. The sirens sounded for five minutes to simulate an incoming air attack, alerting citizens to take immediate safety measures.

At 4:05 PM, blackout measures were implemented, with lights turned off in designated zones to mimic wartime conditions, reducing visibility for potential threats. In Delhi alone, partial blackouts were observed in 55 locations, coordinated by the local electricity boards.

By 4:15 PM, fire emergency drills began, with residents and office workers evacuating buildings in an orderly fashion under the guidance of fire safety personnel. Simultaneously, search and rescue teams deployed to simulated collapsed structures to locate and rescue trapped individuals.

From 4:30 PM onwards, casualty evacuation teams transported injured volunteers to temporary hospitals set up in community centres and schools, equipped to provide emergency medical care. These makeshift medical facilities operated until 5:30 PM, offering triage and first aid.

Civilian evacuation exercises ran concurrently, with thousands relocated to designated safe zones and shelters, including underground bunkers and community halls, ensuring that evacuation routes and shelter management were tested effectively.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired the central coordination meeting at 3:00 PM before the drill, ensuring all agencies were aligned. He later stated, “Operation Abhyas is critical in identifying gaps in our civil defence mechanisms and ensuring that our citizens and emergency services are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively in times of crisis.”

Authorities urged the public to remain calm, cooperate fully, and refrain from spreading misinformation during the exercise.

Do’s and Don’ts During the Drill:

Officials advised citizens to follow these important guidelines to ensure safety and smooth conduct of the exercise:
Do’s:

• Listen carefully to sirens and official announcements.
• Follow evacuation routes and instructions from emergency personnel promptly.
• Cooperate with authorities and volunteers during drills.
• Keep emergency kits ready at home and workplaces.
• Stay calm and assist vulnerable individuals such as children, elderly, and disabled.

Don’ts:

• Do not panic or spread rumours on social media or among neighbours.
• Avoid using private vehicles unnecessarily during evacuation drills to prevent congestion.
• Do not ignore blackout protocols or keep lights on in blackout zones.
• Refrain from interfering with rescue teams or emergency responders.
• Avoid making prank calls or false reports to emergency services during the drill.

Background: Rising Security Concerns and Need for Preparedness

Operation Abhyas is the first nationwide civil defence drill of this scale since the 1971 Indo-Pak war. It was prompted by the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths, and a recent spike in ceasefire violations along the LoC.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued directives to all states and union territories to conduct these drills to prepare for “new and complex threats” in the current geopolitical environment.

The exercise aims to improve coordination between civil defence units, police forces, paramilitary, and the Indian Air Force, while educating civilians on emergency protocols such as blackout procedures, fire safety, and evacuation routes. Previous drills had revealed communication lapses and logistical challenges, which authorities are keen to address through this comprehensive exercise.

Experts note that such preparedness drills are vital in a world where threats can emerge rapidly, and public awareness can significantly reduce casualties and chaos during actual emergencies.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

The Logical Indian recognises the importance of Operation Abhyas as a proactive measure to safeguard lives and infrastructure. While the drill reflects the realities of ongoing geopolitical tensions, it also highlights the need for peace, dialogue, and empathy as long-term solutions to conflict. Preparedness should not breed fear but foster resilience, community cooperation, and trust between citizens and authorities.

We encourage readers to view such exercises as opportunities to engage constructively with local authorities, learn safety protocols, and support one another in times of crisis. How can communities and governments collaborate beyond drills to build sustainable peace and ensure safety without compromising on compassion and coexistence?