Air raid sirens to blackouts: The what, why, how and where of mock drills amid rising India-Pakistan tensions

The mock drills on May 7 are the latest in India’s strategy to tighten the screws.

Why is India holding mock drills?

The mock drills will arm citizens with the knowledge of what to do in case India is attacked. The drills also aim “to assess and enhance the readiness of Civil Defence mechanisms across all States and Union Territories,” according to a letter from the Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards to the states and UTs. “In the current geo-political scenario, new and complex threats/challenges have emerged, hence, it would be prudent that optimum civil defence preparedness in the states/UTs is maintained at all times,” the letter added.

Where will mock drills take place?

According to the Home Ministry communication, mock drills will be conducted in 244 civil defence districts, which are spread across all states and UTs of the country. West Bengal has the maximum number of such districts at 32, followed by Rajasthan (28), Assam (20), Punjab (20) and J&K (20). A district is designated as a civil defence district based on threat perception.

Who all may take part?

Besides those residing in the 244 civil defence districts, about 57,000 volunteers, and officials from Gujarat are set to take part in mock drills being held after a Home Ministry directive. The Bharatiya Janata Party has also appealed to people across the country to join the mock drill on May 7. BJP’s different units across the country have been asked to actively participate in the local administration’s drive, according to party sources quoted by news agency PTI.

What all is expected tomorrow (May 7)?

States and UTs have been asked to operationalise air raid warning sirens, and put in place crash blackout measures in selected areas. Besides, civilians, including students, will be trained on safety protocols to follow during an aerial or ground assault. Rehearsals of evacuation plans and early camouflaging of vital installations such as power plants and military-linked infrastructure will also take place. Another crucial part will be operationalising hotline and radio communication links with the Indian Air Force, and testing the functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms.

When did it last happen?

The previous such drill took place in 1971 when India was engaged in a military confrontation with Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War. The war ended with the Pakistani General AAK Niazi surrendering to Indian forces in Dhaka and resulted in the birth of Bangladesh.

Status check a day before

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Tuesday (May 6) reviewed the preparations for the civil defence measures, including mock drills and air-raid warning sirens. “The home secretary will review the preparations for civil defence being made across 244 districts. Chief secretaries and heads of civil defence from across the country will participate in the meeting via video conferencing,” news agency PTI had quoted a source as saying.

How are the preparations coming along: While Chandigarh residents were advised to switch off lights and remain at home during the blackout trial, Pune saw civil defence authorities start activating mechanisms that work in coordination with the district administration, local armed forces formations, and emergency services. The authorities have also begun testing 75 sirens in the city. In Bihar, the police headquarters have put the state on high alert. Senior officers have also been asked to step up security measures at sensitive locations and border areas.

Issues uncovered in trials: During Sunday’s trial drill in Punjab’s Ferozepur, many vehicles were seen driving with headlights on. Residents also reported witnessing CCTV and solar lights that remained switched on.