**India Prepares for First Civil Defence Drills Since 1971 War**
India is gearing up to conduct its inaugural civil defence drills since the 1971 India-Pakistan war, amid escalating tensions following a recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Scheduled to take place at 259 locations across 33 states and union territories, these drills aim to prepare civilians for potential war-like scenarios. Extensive preparations have been made in advance to ensure the smooth execution of the exercises.
The mock drills will emphasize critical areas such as air raid responses, mass evacuations, and bunker safety protocols. Defence volunteers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) will be on-site to train civilians in handling hostile situations. While dedicated bunkers are uncommon in India, existing structures like subways and basements will be utilized as makeshift shelters for civilians during emergencies.
During the drills, a comprehensive emergency response will be showcased, highlighting the coordination between police, fire brigades, NDRF, hospitals, and civilian participants. Each unit involved will be assigned specific code words or timelines to follow. Upon the sounding of an air raid siren, civilians will be instructed to seek immediate shelter. In the event of missile, rocket, or drone attacks, sturdy structures such as subways or basements will serve as protective zones, significantly reducing the risk of casualties during aerial assaults.
Following the Pahalgam attack, there have been increased ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a robust response from the Indian Army. Prime Minister Modi has assured that those responsible for the attack will face justice. In response, Pakistani officials have warned that any actions taken by India will be met with a strong counter-response.
As tensions escalate, the Ministry of External Affairs has mandated that all states conduct mock drills on May 7 to prepare civilians for emergency situations. Rehearsals have already taken place in various cities, including Srinagar, where state disaster response teams, NDRF, and J&K police rescue units have been actively training for potential emergencies. A notable mock drill on the Jhelum River focused on the rapid response capabilities of rescue personnel in drowning scenarios.
Students in Jammu and Kashmir schools have also been educated ahead of the drills, learning how to respond to aerial bombing and the significance of siren alerts. This initiative aims to raise awareness among students, enabling them to share vital information with their families and communities.
In Lucknow, civil defence volunteers have been observed preparing for the upcoming drills, practicing their responses to fire emergencies in various styles to enhance their effectiveness.
**FAQ**
**What are the objectives of India’s civil defence drills?**
The civil defence drills aim to prepare civilians for potential emergencies, focusing on air raid responses, mass evacuations, and safety protocols in the event of hostile attacks.
