India is gearing up for the first civil defence readiness drill since 1971. While the Indo-Pak war was very much on the horizon back then, memories of the past now serve not only as a cautionary tale but are also instructive. The mock drills, scheduled for May 7, are far more than bureaucratic rituals. They symbolise the cost of peace, the strength of ordinary citizens, and the importance of historical perspective.
Looking back to understand the present, veteran Congress leader Jayaprakash Agarwal emphasises the importance of public awareness regarding these measures. “The younger generation must grasp why preparedness matters. In case of future threats, people need to react correctly. A blackout isn’t just a power failure—it represents a crucial moment for national security,” says Agarwal, who witnessed the 1971 war.
While the Home Ministry will conduct a civil defence mock drill across 244 districts on May 7 to enhance emergency preparedness and public safety mechanisms, the pertinent question is whether those measures are adequately relevant when it comes to a potential war-like situation in the present day and age.
Adapting to the current times
The designated ‘civil defence districts’, which include key assets such as nuclear plants, refineries, dams, and military installations, will host the exercises. Activities will include air-raid siren tests, civilian response simulations, and inspection of bunkers and trenches.
Although India does not face frequent military conflicts, the absence of dedicated bunkers means that alternative shelters, such as subways and underground parking spaces, may need to be used in emergencies. The exercises are being conducted under the guidelines of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968.
Recognising the evolving nature of threats, a communication from the Directorate General Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards noted, “In the current geo-political scenario, new and complex threats/challenges have emerged, hence, it would be prudent that optimum civil defence preparedness in the states/UTs is maintained at all times.”
Maj Gen (Retd) VK Datta points out that civilian drills aim to sharpen public awareness and presence of mind. “Today, blackout protocols are no longer limited to taping windows. You can use blackout curtains, blinds, or any method that conceals interior light. The principle is the same—avoid visibility from outside. That logic applies across all aspects of emergency readiness,” he explains.
The 1971 civilian preparedness drills saw citizens being trained to lie in trenches in the event of an air strike. However, in 2025, the need of the hour is to improvise, says Maj Gen Datta. While bunkers might not be an option in non-conflict zones and cities, we can use basement parking, underpasses and other such structures to seek shelter.
In the event of any untoward emergency, bodies like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and others will automatically be put into action. The mock drills are more about spreading awareness among citizens, Maj Gen Datta details.
