Civil Defence mock drill across India on May 7: When and why was it last held throughout the country?

Interestingly, the last mock drill was conducted in 1971 during the Indo-Pakistani war. India conducted extensive civil defence mock drills to prepare its civilian population for potential wartime emergencies.

Hyderabad: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced that Civil Defence mock  drills will be conducted in all the States and Union Territories in the country on May 7, amid escalating tension with Pakistan, following the Pahalgam terror attack which claimed 26 lives.

A nationwide mock drill of this magnitude will be conducted for the first time since 1971, when it was last conducted ahead of the India-Pakistan war, also known as Bangladesh Liberation War.

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In a circular issued to the State governments, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that the drill will include blackout simulations, air raid sirens, evacuation drills, and public training sessions to prepare for war-like emergencies.

In 1971, India had conducted an extensive civil defence mock drills to prepare its civilian population for potential wartime emergencies. These drills were part of a broader national effort to enhance readiness amid escalating tensions with Pakistan.

The mock drill was conducted after India had declared to join the war to fight for Bengali nationalist forces after Pakistan launched aerial strikes on eight Indian air stations. The then Indira Gandhi-led-government had implemented civil defence measures and safety exercises to educate civilians and test their preparedness during hostile-like situations.

The 1971 civil defence initiatives set a precedent for future emergency preparedness in India. They highlighted the importance of civilian involvement in national security and the need for regular training and awareness programs.