Today, May 7, 2025, India is conducting a nationwide civil defence exercise named Operation Abhyaas, marking the most extensive drill of its kind since 1971. This initiative follows the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths and has heightened tensions with Pakistan.

In Maharashtra, including Mumbai, the drill is scheduled for 4:00 PM. Approximately 60 locations across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) will experience air raid sirens, followed by brief blackout simulations. These exercises aim to assess the operational readiness of emergency services and public response mechanisms. Participants include civil defence volunteers, police, fire brigades, and medical personnel.

Nationwide Scope

Operation Abhyaas encompasses 259 locations across 33 states and union territories, involving over 244 civil defence districts. Major cities like Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad are participating, with activities including air raid siren tests, blackout simulations, evacuation drills, and public training sessions.

The primary objective is to bolster civilian preparedness against potential hostile threats. The drills simulate real-world scenarios to reduce panic, avoid chaos, and save lives during actual emergencies. Authorities are also using this opportunity to identify and address any gaps in civil defence infrastructure.

Public Advisory

Residents are advised to:

• Stay calm and follow instructions from local authorities.
• Keep essential supplies like water, medicines, and flashlights ready.
• Avoid sharing unverified information on social media.
• Do not panic if power or internet services are briefly disrupted.
• Listen to official channels for updates.

Sources