What is mock drills and what to expect on May 7?
The announcement of mock drills came after Pakistan conducted its second missile firing test in two days under “Exercise INDUS” amid rising tensions with India.
Police forces and authorities across the 244 districts began preparations for the civil defence mock drills ordered by the Union home ministry on May 7 in view of “new and complex threats".
Rehearsals were also conducted in several locations such as the Dal Lake in Srinagar and Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow.
Follow live updates on Pahalgam terror attack here
Union home secretary Govind Mohan reviewed preparations for the mock exercise and the strengthening of civil defence mechanisms in the event of a “hostile attack.” Chief secretaries and heads of civil defence from across the country participated in the meeting via video conferencing.
What to expect on May 7?
The drill is expected to involve the active participation of district controllers, local authorities, civil defence wardens, volunteers, home guards (both active and reserve), members of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and college and school students.
Also read | ‘Was Lashkar involved?’: Pakistan asked ‘tough questions’ by UNSC members over Pahalgam attack, say reports
“The conduct of the exercise is planned up to the village level. This exercise aims to assess and enhance the readiness of civil defence mechanisms across all states and Union territories,” the MHA letter said.
The overall objective is to test civilian readiness in the event of a national emergency and not an immediate signal of an impending conflict. As per a communication issued by the ministry on May 2, the exercise is held under Civil Defence Rules, 1968.
Civilians in some districts may experience temporary blackouts, suspension of mobile signals, or traffic diversions.
The local administration may also conduct evacuation exercises after public announcements and test the effectiveness of their response.
Also read | Mock drills: Full list of districts where exercise will be conducted
In some districts, police and paramilitary forces may simulate a war-like emergency. Air raid warning systems may also blare as the drill aims to test its effectiveness.
Proper functioning of district control rooms and shadow control rooms will also be tested.
Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar said the local administration will decide timings of the drill.
