The exercise will span seven states and extend to the village level, involving district administrations, police forces, disaster management agencies, and civilian volunteers. Key components include the activation of air raid warning sirens, blackout protocols, evacuation rehearsals, and the camouflaging of critical infrastructure. The drills are designed to simulate responses to potential hostile attacks, including conventional strikes and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
This mobilisation follows a series of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control , with Pakistani forces reportedly breaching the 2003 agreement for 12 consecutive nights across multiple sectors, including Kupwara, Poonch, and Rajouri. In response, Indian forces have engaged in proportionate retaliation. Additionally, the capture of a Pakistan Rangers soldier by the Border Security Force in Rajasthan on 3 May has heightened security concerns.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has emphasised the need for "effective civil defence in the event of a hostile attack," citing the current security climate as a catalyst for the drills. The exercises aim to enhance coordination among various agencies and ensure community-level readiness.
The Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards has outlined a revamping strategy for civil defence, focusing on strengthening training infrastructure, upgrading equipment, and expanding the reach of civil defence activities from town-centric to district-centric models. This includes the establishment of new Civil Defence Training Institutes and the implementation of pilot projects to involve civil defence in internal security matters.
The National Disaster Response Force has been actively conducting mock drills across the country to prepare for various disaster scenarios. In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, NDRF teams participated in a mega mock exercise in coordination with the Prayagraj Mela Authority and other agencies to ensure preparedness for the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela. The drills simulated responses to potential disasters such as drowning incidents, stampedes, and CBRN emergencies.
Similarly, in Visakhapatnam, a mock drill focused on disaster management was conducted at the airport to enhance preparedness for cyclones and floods. The exercise involved coordination among various departments and tested the airport’s emergency response capabilities.