As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise, the Indian government has launched a nationwide emergency preparedness initiative named “Operation Abhyas.” On Wednesday, several mock drills are being conducted across 244 districts in India, including major metro cities.
What Is Operation Abhyas?
Operation Abhyas is a massive civil defense mock drill launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to check the country’s emergency response systems. The exercises are designed to mimic different hostile scenarios such as:
- Air raids with blackout procedures
- Urban fire emergencies
- Evacuation of casualties
- Rescue operations
- Establishment of temporary hospitals
- Evacuation of civilians to safety zones
The decision follows a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.
Mock Drill Timings
- National Timing (General): 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- School Drill Timing: Began at 9:00 AM in certain locations
- Blackout Rehearsal (Chandigarh example): 7:30 PM to 7:40 PM
Participating States & Districts
1. Delhi-NCR
- Coverage: All 11 districts of Delhi
- Venues: 660 schools & 40 markets
- Involvement: Civil defence, police, fire, and medical personnel
- Gurgaon: Control rooms at Mini Secretariat, blackout at Tau Devi Lal Stadium
- Faridabad: Drills at HQs, police, hospitals
- Ghaziabad: 10 schools and colleges at 10:00 AM
2. Maharashtra
- Category I: Mumbai, Palghar, Raigad (full implementation)
- Category II: Thane, Nashik, Pune
- Category III: Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Aurangabad, Bhusawal
- Key Locations: Uran (JNPT), Tarapur (nuclear facility)
- Pune: Council Hall, Mulshi, Talegaon, Vanaz, PMC, Pimpri-Chinchwad
3. Karnataka
- Districts: Bengaluru, Karwar, Raichur
- Timing: 4:00 PM
4. Telangana
- City: Hyderabad
- Oversight: CM Revanth Reddy to oversee personally
5. Kerala
- Authority: Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA)
- Drill Time: 4:00 PM – 4:29 PM
- Siren: Sounds 3 times for 30 seconds
6. Tamil Nadu
- Places: Madras Atomic Power Station (Kalpakkam), Chennai Port Trust
- Task: Management of simulated air raid
7. West Bengal
- Coverage: 31 places in 23 districts
- Assets: 62 satellite phones, 95 sirens in Kolkata
- Civilian Participation: None thus far
8. Chandigarh
- Mock Drill Locations: 2 city locations
- Blackout: 7:30 PM – 7:40 PM
- Instructions: Turn off all lights and automobile headlights
9. Punjab
- Districts: Amritsar, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Batala, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Mohali & more
- Blackout Rule: No use of power, generators, or even lighting a match
General Rules & Regulations for Public
All citizens within the participating districts are requested to strictly adhere to these civil defense guidelines:
Air Raid Warning
- Signal: Sirens will sound citywide
- Reaction:
- Immediately take cover indoors
- Draw curtains
- Switch off lights, electricity & gas connections
- Don’t venture out unless absolutely necessary
Traffic Protocol
- All cars have to halt during exercises
- Passengers have to disembark and take cover
- No motor vehicle movement except authorized
Blackout Procedures
- Total darkness to disorient enemy monitoring
Limitations on public illumination:
- No outside building lights or neon signs
- Streetlights have to be directed downwards
- Motor vehicles have to adhere to blackout lighting regulations
From the 2003 Government Civil Defense Manual
- Light cannot be seen from 5,000 feet above ground level
- Maximum street lighting permitted: Equivalent of 25-watt bulb at 20 ft
- Advertisement or decorative lights prohibited absolutely
- Only rear and side lights to be used by stationary vehicles
Public Advisory
- Remain calm and obey the directions of local District Magistrates (DMs)
- Avoid rumour-mongering and spread of false information
- Assist children and old persons in remaining calm
- Active but judicious participation in all mock drills
Objective of Operation Abhyas
The exercises will:
- Test the coordination among police, civil defense, medical, and fire departments
- Enhance public awareness and preparedness
- Enhance India’s readiness for emergencies such as terror attacks or aerial attacks
- Lessen panic and guarantee public safety in actual situations
Last Word
These practice drills are not intended to instill fear but to empower the people. With increasing threats at the border, being ready is the best form of defense. As civil society, your participation is essential to endorse these efforts for national security.
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