Nationwide Civil Defence Drill: Operation Abhyaas

 

In light of escalating tensions with Pakistan, India conducted "Operation Abhyaas," a nationwide civil defence drill on May 7, 2025. Organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Disaster Management Authority, the exercise spanned 244 districts and aimed to bolster civilian readiness against potential hostile threats. Activities included air-raid siren tests, blackout simulations, evacuation drills, and public training sessions.

Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad participated extensively. In Delhi, 60 air raid sirens were activated across 55 locations, prompting coordinated evacuation rehearsals. Hyderabad conducted drills within the Outer Ring Road limits, engaging multiple civil defence services. The exercise also emphasized public awareness, with mock drills conducted across all districts in Kerala and extensive involvement in Maharashtra. Operation Abhyaas is considered the most extensive civil defence exercise since the 1971 India-Pakistan war.