Details Of Tomorrow’s Security Drill: Blackouts, Evacuation, Hotlines

New Delhi:
In a significant move amid escalating regional tensions, the Government of India has directed all states and Union Territories to conduct a nationwide civil defence security drill on Tuesday. While the official communication from the Centre to chief secretaries does not explicitly cite tensions with Pakistan, the timing—following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack—has drawn strong parallels to similar drills held during the build-up to the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
According to a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the exercise will take place across the country’s 244 Civil Defence districts, extending to the village level. The objective is to assess and enhance India’s preparedness for hostile attacks. The drill will involve a wide range of participants, including District Controllers, civil defence wardens and volunteers, Home Guard personnel (both active and reservists), as well as members of the NCC, NSS, NYKS, and students from schools and colleges. Crucially, civilians will be trained in emergency responses, particularly in the event of an aerial or other hostile strike.
The Home Ministry has outlined nine specific goals for the drill. Key among them is assessing the effectiveness of air raid warning systems and ensuring readiness for aerial attacks. Communication hotlines and radio links with the Indian Air Force will be tested during the exercise. Additionally, the operation will evaluate the functionality of primary and backup control rooms, also known as shadow control rooms. Training modules will include crash blackout procedures, where residents may be asked to switch off lights to simulate blackouts during potential air raids. Other critical elements involve the camouflaging of key infrastructure—such as airfields, refineries, and rail yards—to shield them from enemy targeting. The drill will also evaluate the responsiveness of rescue teams, firefighting units, and evacuation systems, with civilians receiving training in first-aid, fire safety, and shelter management.
The drill comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 25 tourists and a local pony ride operator were brutally killed. The incident has sent shockwaves through the country and prompted strong statements from the government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed that those responsible will face unimaginable punishment. Investigations into the attack have once again pointed to Pakistani involvement, echoing the pattern of several previous cross-border terror incidents.
In response, India has already taken diplomatic measures including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the closure of the Attari land border, and cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals. At the same time, signs point to a more robust military response being prepared. In recent days, Prime Minister Modi has held multiple high-level meetings with Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and top military officials, including the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Centre’s directive for the security drill is seen as part of broader national preparations, potentially indicating that a counterstrike against Pakistan may be imminent.