Operation Abhyaas: Mega Civil Defence Mock Drill

Operation Abhyaas is India's largest civil defence mock drill nationwide, simulating air raids, blackouts, and evacuations to enhance national emergency preparedness amid rising tensions.

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News? Nationwide mega civil defence mock drill ‘Operation Abhyaas‘ was conducted.

Why the Mock Drill? To enhance emergency civil preparedness following Operation Sindoor.
What Does It Include? Activating air raid sirens, testing blackout measures, establishing communication with the Indian Air Force, and evaluating the early camouflaging of critical infrastructure.

Operation Abhyaas: Mega Civil Defence Mock Drill

Operation Abhyaas was a country-wide mega civil defense mock drill carried out all over India on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The drill was initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). It was carried out in the backdrop of increased tensions with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22nd and the Indian military’s follow-up Operation Sindoor.

Similar Instances of Civil Preparedness

India’s Previous Instances: 1962 Sino-Indian War, 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.
Global Preparedness Against War-like Situations:
- Civil Defence Infrastructure (Israel):
  - Mandatory bomb shelters in every home.
  - Public training to respond swiftly to air raid sirens.
  - Promotes a readiness culture among civilians.
- Digital Continuity of Services (Ukraine): Digitalisation of essential services (banking, education, healthcare).
- Blackouts and Mass Safety Campaigns (Britain, WWII): Enforced complete blackouts using curtains and cardboard to hide from bombers.
  - Distributed over 44 million gas masks to civilians (1938–1939).