Nationwide Mock Drill To Take Place On May 7 Across 259 Locations; Here’s All You Need To Know

Following the tragic April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, the Indian government is stepping up its preparedness measures. The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced a nationwide civil defence mock drill to be held on May 7. The exercise will take place across 259 locations, focusing on emergency response training. Citizens are being urged to stay alert and keep basic supplies ready. This will be the first drill of its scale since 1971.

Mock Drills Across 259 Locations In Response To Security Concerns

The upcoming civil defence drill is being conducted amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The aim is to strengthen public readiness for emergencies like air raids and blackouts. It will also assess the response capabilities of officials and citizens. The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed states to simulate scenarios across 259 sites. This includes 244 Civil Defence Districts and other vulnerable, strategically important locations.

The authorities have instructed districts, many located in border states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, and the Northeast, to conduct mock drills simulating multi-hazard scenarios, according to India Today. Volunteers and officials will guide the public on the steps to take during emergencies. These areas, identified as highly sensitive, will receive special attention.

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Focus On Public Safety And Emergency Supplies

The Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, chaired a high-level meeting on May 5 to review civil defence readiness. The meeting included state chief secretaries and civil defence heads and focused on the condition of existing installations, many of which may require upgrades or repairs.

The government is also looking to strengthen training for civil volunteers and local residents across vulnerable and high-risk districts. Officials are stressing the need for households to keep medical kits, torches, candles, and cash to prepare for potential electronic failures, according to India Today. This is particularly important in areas prone to disruption or limited emergency response.

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The May 7 exercise is aimed at improving civil defence readiness and public awareness across vulnerable regions.

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