Mockdrill exercise will be performed in different districts of India on May 7. The ministry of Home’ order comes following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The government of India is preparing to execute one of the most extensive nationwide civil defence mock exercises in recent history. The exercise, set for May 7, intends to evaluate the nation’s readiness for hostile attacks through various emergency simulations. Let’ know details of this exercise…
Question 1: What directive has the Government of India issued regarding the civil defense mock drill?
Ans: On May 5, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a directive to conduct civil defense mock drills in 244 designated districts across the country.
The nationwide drill, scheduled for May 7, will train citizens on how to protect themselves during an attack. These drills will be conducted in both urban and rural areas of all states and Union Territories.
Participants will include District Collectors, Civil Defense Volunteers, Home Guards, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and students from schools and colleges.
The exercise will focus on teaching people how to stay safe during an attack, testing the effectiveness of warning systems, and assessing the coordination and response of control rooms.
The directive was issued under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Act, 1968, which empowers the central government to enforce civil defense training during times of attack or disaster. The Act also mandates that citizens must comply with civil defense rules during emergencies. Violation of these rules can result in imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of up to ₹500, or both.
Question 2: Which 244 districts will have the mock drill?
Answer: In March 2010, the Directorate General of Civil Defence under the Ministry of Home Affairs classified 259 districts into three categories based on sensitivity.
Due to the current tensions between India and Pakistan, mock drills will be conducted in 244 of these sensitive districts. Although the official list has not yet been released by the government, the following regions are likely to be included:
- Border states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab, which share boundaries with Pakistan.
- Strategic zones including areas with critical defense installations, power grids, ports, refineries, and essential industries, which could be potential targets.
- Coastal districts where enemy ships could launch attacks and densely populated urban areas that could suffer heavy damage in the event of an attack.
What is a civil defense mock drill?
Answer: A civil defense mock drill is a simulated emergency preparedness exercise designed to train citizens on how to respond during war, air raids, natural disasters, or other emergencies.
In simple terms, it is a rehearsal. Participants—including civilians, students, volunteers, home guards, police, and local officials—practice what actions to take during a real crisis.
For example: If the drill simulates an air raid, sirens will sound, electricity may be cut, people will move to safer areas, and volunteers will assist the “injured.” While the scenario is not real, it helps participants learn exactly what to do in an actual emergency.
There is no single organization that conducts the drill; rather, around 12 government and non-government organizations work together:
- Ministry of Home Affairs: The central authority responsible for planning, funding, and issuing orders for the drill.
- DGFS & CDHG (Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence, and Home Guards): Assist with on-ground implementation and manage treatment of mock casualties.
- Home Guards: Trained to assist the police and administration in emergencies; they help manage crowds and guide people to safety.
- Police and Fire Services: Local police oversee the drill’s management, while fire personnel simulate rescue operations like evacuating people from debris.
- NCC (National Cadet Corps): Student cadets actively participate in the drill, help guide people to safety, and support other drill activities.
- NSS (National Service Scheme): Primarily composed of college students who raise awareness and assist with crowd control.
- NYKS (Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan): Mobilizes youth participation in the drills.
- Red Cross Society: Provides first aid and medical assistance to mock casualties; trained to deliver emergency medical services.
- Schools and Colleges: Students and teachers play a crucial role. Children participate in evacuation and blackout drills, while teachers guide and supervise them.
- NGOs: Non-governmental organizations help spread awareness and mobilize local communities, especially in rural areas.