Mock drill in India: What are civil defence districts and how are they categorised?

India is set to conduct a nationwide civil defence mock drill on Wednesday (May 7), aimed at testing emergency preparedness in the wake of rising border tensions and the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians on April 22.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed 244 districts across the country to participate in the drill, which will simulate wartime scenarios such as blackouts, air raid sirens, and evacuation procedures.

At the centre of this coordinated effort are the Civil Defence districts — specially designated areas responsible for organising and executing emergency response strategies. These districts play a crucial role in training volunteers, managing local responses, and ensuring seamless coordination among civilian and security forces during crises.

Civil Defence districts are the frontline regions tasked with organising, executing, and refining civil defence operations such as air raid drills, blackout exercises, evacuation protocols, and civilian awareness sessions.

Officials say the exercise is not a signal of imminent conflict but part of a longstanding framework under the Civil Defence Rules, 1968 — regulations dating back to the Cold War era but being recalibrated for contemporary threats. The drill will test India’s ability to respond quickly and cohesively to war-like emergencies.

What are Civil Defence districts in India?

Civil Defence districts are designated regions where the Government of India actively implements civil defence programs. These districts serve as administrative and operational hubs for preparedness activities in case of emergencies like wars, air raids, missile strikes, or large-scale terror attacks. Their role is to organize resources, train civilians and volunteers, and coordinate responses involving multiple government and civilian agencies.

They carry out functions such as:

• Training and mobilizing volunteers
• Conducting blackout and evacuation drills
• Managing coordination with Home Guards, NCC, NSS, NYKS, police, and local authorities
• Running public awareness campaigns and shelter planning

How are Civil Defence districts categorised?

India’s 244 Civil Defence districts are selected based on strategic importance and vulnerability assessments. The categorization takes into account multiple criteria:

• Proximity to international borders: Districts in Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir are prioritized due to their frontline status.
• Presence of critical infrastructure: Areas with defense establishments, power grids, refineries, ports, and communication networks are included.
• Urban density and population risk: Large urban centres are more likely to be targets and require complex evacuation and awareness planning.
• Coastal sensitivity: Coastal districts, particularly those exposed to maritime threats, are emphasized for their strategic role in defense.

These categories ensure that the most at-risk and vital areas of the country are well-prepared to handle emergencies with minimal chaos and maximum coordination.

What is a Civil Defence mock drill?
A civil defence mock drill is a planned simulation of emergency scenarios — such as an aerial attack or missile strike — to test public and administrative readiness. These drills are governed by the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, and simulate situations like:

• Power blackouts
• Air raid sirens
• Evacuation alerts
• Emergency communication breakdowns
• Shelter-in-place protocols

The mock drills help reduce civilian panic, identify response gaps, train volunteers and responders and build awareness and resilience.

Why is the May 7 drill significant?
The May 7, 2025 drill is part of a nationwide directive following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. It aims to:

• Test India’s civilian preparedness in a war-like scenario
• Improve coordination between central, state, and district authorities
• Revive Cold War-era practices updated for today’s security environment

Despite the tense backdrop, the drill is preventive, not provocative, and is aimed at strengthening public awareness and systems readiness.

What activities will take place during the drill?
Expect the following during the May 7 exercise:

• Air Raid Sirens: Simulated alarms will test public alert mechanisms.
• Crash Blackouts: Temporary citywide blackouts will simulate hiding lights from aerial surveillance.
• Camouflage Exercises: Strategic assets like power plants and telecom towers may be temporarily hidden from aerial view.
• Evacuation Drills: Mock relocations from high-risk zones will be organized.
• Public Training Sessions: Sessions in schools and offices will teach emergency first aid, sheltering practices, and calm response behavior.

Who will participate in the Civil Defence drill?
A wide network of personnel and volunteers will be involved:

• District Administrations for coordination
• Home Guards and Civil Defence Wardens for on-ground execution
• NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Students for community outreach and support
• Paramilitary and Police Forces for enforcement and simulation

After the drill, states and UTs will submit "Action Taken Reports" assessing performance and recommending improvements.

Why is Civil Defence still based on Cold War-era methods?
While the roots of civil defence lie in Cold War fears of aerial and nuclear warfare, modern drills continue to use these methods because:

• Aerial threats and missile attacks remain relevant
• Blackouts and evacuations still serve as vital readiness tools
• Civilian panic and communication breakdowns are timeless risks

The government has adapted these practices with modern tools and technologies, integrating mobile alerts, real-time monitoring, and media coordination.

Is this only relevant for border districts?
No. While border and coastal districts receive special attention, urban centres and industrial zones across the country are also part of the civil defence framework. This is because large cities, transport hubs, and tech corridors could be high-value targets in any hostile scenario.

How should citizens prepare for the drill?

• Keep essentials handy: water, flashlight, basic medicines.
• Avoid misinformation — rely only on official sources.
• Follow local instructions — cooperate with authorities.
• Participate if asked — join awareness sessions or drills in your locality.

What is the long-term strategy behind civil defence drills?
The Centre’s renewed push for civil defence drills stems from a strategy outlined in the October 2022 ‘Chintan Shivir’, where national leaders emphasized readiness against emerging threats. A follow-up directive in January 2023 called for strengthening civil defence, particularly in border, coastal, and high-risk urban areas.