Government Orders Nationwide Mock Drills: Massive Mock Drill in Pune at 75 Locations on May 7 Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions
In light of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives, the Union Home Ministry has mandated a nationwide civil defence mock drill on May 7. Pune is among the key cities where these drills will take place, with 75 locations identified for extensive simulations.
The Maharashtra government is on high alert, ramping up internal security protocols. Sirens will sound at 16 locations across the state, including Mumbai, Uran-JNPT, Tarapur, Pune, Thane, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Sambhajinagar, and others. Army-led drills will be conducted in Pune’s civil defence zones, simulating emergency responses.
Officials confirmed that a meeting of the DG of Civil Defence will be held in Mumbai to finalize instructions, which will then be communicated to all District Magistrates. SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for the drill will be circulated to ensure coordinated execution.
This is the first such nationwide drill since 1971, when India and Pakistan were last at war. During the Cold War-era inspired exercise, citizens will be trained to respond to emergency sirens, switch off lights during simulated blackouts, and evacuate buildings promptly. The purpose is to enhance readiness against potential air raids or other hostile attacks.
Component of the Mock Drill
- Air Raid Sirens: Activated to assess public alertness.
- Blackout Rehearsals: Complete shutdown of lights to simulate wartime concealment.
- Evacuation Drills: Residents asked to gather in designated safe zones like parking lots.
- Electronic Device Shutdown: Citizens instructed to switch off devices to avoid detection.
- Civilian Training: Awareness sessions on first aid, shelter finding, and calm response.
According to guidelines, once a siren sounds, all lights should be turned off immediately to prevent detection by potential enemy aircraft. Citizens must exit buildings and assemble in safe outdoor areas to avoid harm from potential blasts. Training will also include quick medical response for the injured. However, these instructions are highly localized and depend upon the planning of local administration.
Nationwide Mock Drill Locations:
Mock Drill Locations in Maharashtra
- Mumbai
- Uran-JNPT
- Tarapur
- Pune
- Thane
- Nashik
- Thal-Vaishet
- Roha-Dhata-Nagothane
- Manmad
- Sinnar
- Pimpri-Chinchwad
- Sambhajinagar
- Bhusawal
- Raigad
- Ratnagiri
- Sindhudurg
Siren Locations in Pune
No Blackout in Pune
According to media reports, Pune District Collector has clarified that Pune will not participate in blackout rehearsals so the citizens can expect normalacy in Pune during the mock drills slated to take place at 4 pm tomorrow.
Why This Drill Matters
The directive from the Centre was prompted by increasing hostilities between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror strike. Pakistan has been targeting Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) for 11 consecutive nights, heightening security concerns.
The civil defence mock drills are being conducted to assess the effectiveness of Pune’s emergency response systems. The last time a similar drill was held in India was in 1971 during the Indo-Pak war.
Citizen Participation is Crucial
“Civil defence is not just a government exercise. It is a preparedness movement involving all citizens,” said a senior official from Maharashtra’s Directorate of Civil Defence. “Volunteers trained in first aid, evacuation, and basic rescue techniques are key contributors.”
This preparedness activity is based on five pillars of emergency response: prevention, mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery.
Why Now?
The Home Ministry’s directive on May 5 follows 11 consecutive nights of cross-border firing by Pakistan along the Line of Control. The government aims to prepare citizens for potential wartime emergencies. The drill will span 244 Civil Defence districts across nine states and union territories, including border-sensitive regions.
Who Will Participate?
Participants will include Civil Defence wardens, Home Guards, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, NYKS members, and school and college students. Activities will involve training in evacuation, first aid, blackout management, and emergency sheltering.
Citizens may experience brief power outages, mobile signal suspensions, loud sirens, or restricted movement during the drill. These are controlled simulations and not real threats.
The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasizes that these exercises are precautionary and meant to improve emergency preparedness, not to create panic.
