Loud sirens will be heard in many parts of the country as people take part in practice drills to learn how to protect themselves during a war. The central government has planned these drills after rising tensions with Pakistan, following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This is the first time such drills have been held since 1971.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked all states to carry out mock drills on May 7 due to growing tensions with Pakistan. As part of the drill, air raid sirens will sound, and people including students will be trained in civil defence to help them stay safe during a possible attack.

Other safety steps include sudden blackouts, covering important buildings and factories, and updating and practising evacuation plans. The last time such a drill was held was in 1971, the same year India and Pakistan went to war.

Purpose of mock drills

The main goals of the mock drill are to check if the air raid warning systems are working properly, set up communication links with the Indian Air Force, and test the control rooms. It will also train civilians,students, and others on how to protect themselves during an attack. The drill will include practising sudden blackouts, covering important buildings, and making sure Civil Defence services, like rescue operations and firefighting, are ready to respond. The drill will also assess if the evacuation plans are effective and if they can be carried out properly.

What will happen in mock drills?

The mock drill will focus on several important tasks to prepare for a possible attack. It will test the air raid warning sirens to ensure they work properly and set up communication links with the Indian Air Force through hotlines and radios. Control rooms and backup control rooms will be activated and staffed to coordinate the response. 
Civilians, students, and others will be trained on how to protect themselves in an emergency.

Civil Defence services, including warden services, firefighting, rescue operations, and depot management, will be activated to ensure they are ready.The drill will also include steps like practising blackout measures, hiding important buildings, and updating evacuation plans. Also, bunkers and trenches will be checked and cleaned for use if needed.

Prime Minister Modi has promised to go after those responsible for the attack and anyone involved in the conspiracy, saying they will be punished in ways beyond their imagination. In response, Pakistan has issued a strong warning, vowing a "swift and notched-up response." The Prime Minister has been holding several high-level meetings, including with senior defence officials, as India considers its options for retaliation following the April 22 terror attack.

 

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