Mock Drill: What is Civil Defense and why is it a lifesaver in an emergency like war?

New Delhi: Amid India-Pakistan tension after the Pahalgam terror attack, the central government conducted a Civil Defense Mock Drill in 244 districts of the country on 7 May 2025. On the instructions of the Union Home Ministry, this drill is to prepare citizens and administration for emergency situations like war, missile attack, or air strike. This is the largest civil defense exercise since the Indo-Pak war of 1971. #MockDrill and #CivilDefence are trending on X. Let's understand with facts what is civil defense, the importance of mock drill, and why it is important in an emergency.

What is Civil Defense?

Civil Defence is a civilian security mechanism aimed at protecting lives and property in times of war, terror attack, natural disaster, or other emergencies. Civil Defence in India began after the 1962 Sino-Indian War and was formalised under the Civil Defence Rules, 1968. The system works closely with the local administration, police, fire services, home guards, and volunteers. Its main goal is to train citizens, coordinate emergency services, and ensure the protection of critical infrastructure.

Mock Drills: Exercises That Save Lives

A mock drill is a planned exercise that simulates a real emergency. It aims to prepare citizens, administration, and emergency services for a crisis, test their response, and correct deficiencies. The mock drill on May 7 includes the following activities:

1. Air raid sirens: Exercises to test sirens and alert citizens.
2. Blackout: Practice of turning off electricity at night to avoid aerial surveillance, as was done during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
3. Evacuation plans: Rehearsals for evacuating people to safer locations.
4. Camouflage: Exercises to camouflage military bases, communication towers, and power plants.
5. Training: Training in “duck-and-cover” techniques, first aid, and finding safe shelters in schools, colleges, and community centers.

The Home Ministry sent instructions to the chief secretaries of all states and union territories on May 5, making the exercise mandatory in 244 civil defense districts. These districts are considered sensitive, such as border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, as well as Delhi, Mumbai, and nuclear plant districts (Kalpakkam, Tarapur).

Why is it necessary after the Pahalgam attack?

On 22 April 2025, terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam, after which India carried out air strikes in PoK under 'Operation Sindoor'. Pakistan's threats of war and firing on the border for 11 nights have increased tensions. The Home Ministry believes that the safety of citizens is paramount in a war-like situation. According to defense expert Major General (Retd) KK Sinha, mock drills are "done keeping in mind the possibility of a long war" and instill confidence in citizens.

Importance of mock drills

• Awareness and confidence: It teaches citizens how to move to a safe place without panicking when the siren sounds.
• Coordination: Strengthens synergy between police, fire brigade, NDRF, and civil defense.
• Evaluation of preparedness: Identifying the shortcomings of the administration and providing an opportunity for improvement.
• Strategic security: Techniques like blackouts and camouflage prevent enemy surveillance.
• Community solidarity: Motivates citizens to help each other.

On X@PriyanshiBharg7 wrote, “Mock drills are a pre-emptive exercise to secure people and restore order in an emergency.”

Instructions for the public

The Home Ministry clarified that the drills are not a sign of war but part of preparedness. Citizens have been urged to:

Stay calm and follow instructions when the siren sounds.

Avoid rumours and trust the local administration.

Schools, markets, and offices will remain open, but there may be temporary disruptions in power or traffic in some areas.

The district collector of Jodhpur said, “400 civil defence personnel will make people aware. There is no need to panic.”

Historical context

India used blackouts, trench digging, and evacuation plans in the 1971 war. People in Delhi did not even light candles so as not to be targeted by enemy aircraft. In 1952, the US started the ‘duck-and-cover’ drill to save civilians in case of a nuclear attack. India’s exercise reproduces the same strategy amid global tensions and regional threats.

Conclusion

The May 7 civil defence mock drill is an important step towards India’s national security and saving civilian lives. It not only prepares the administration but also instills awareness and confidence among citizens. After the Pahalgam attack and ‘Operation Sindoor’, this drill shows that India is prepared for any emergency. As Brigadier Khanna said, “This drill is very important in the changing security scenario.” Will this exercise make India invincible in a war-like situation? The answer depends on the participation of citizens and the preparedness of the administration.