Civil Defence Mock Drill
The Government of India is enhancing its civil defence capabilities amid rising tensions with Pakistan. A nationwide civil defence mock drill is scheduled for May 7, 2025. This is the first major drill of its kind since the 1971 India-Pakistan war. This exercise aims to assess and improve the readiness of civil defence mechanisms across 244 designated districts. The initiative follows a communication from the Union Home Ministry which emphasises the importance of civil defence in protecting citizens during emergencies.
What Is Civil Defence?
- Civil defence refers to government-led efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies caused by conflict or natural disasters.
- It focuses on protecting non-combatants from military attacks.
- Key principles include prevention, mitigation, preparation, response, evacuation, and recovery.
- In India, the Civil Defence Act of 1968 established organisations to safeguard individuals and properties against hostile threats.
Historical Context of Civil Defence in India
India’s civil defence mechanisms were formalised post-1962, following conflicts with China and Pakistan. The Civil Defence Act was passed in 1968, expanding the scope of civil defence to include disaster management. Subsequent amendments have reinforced these roles, integrating disaster response into civil defence operations.
What Are Civil Defence Districts?
Civil Defence Districts are designated areas identified for implementing civil defence programmes. The Ministry of Defence recommends these districts based on their vulnerability to attacks and the presence of critical infrastructure. Currently, there are 259 Civil Defence Districts across India, classified into three categories based on their threat levels. They are chosen based on:
- Border proximity (e.g., Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir).
- High population and urban vulnerability.
- Strategic infrastructure presence (e.g., defence bases, power plants, refineries, ports, communication hubs).
Mock Drill Objectives and Activities
- Train civilians in protective actions during attacks.
- Check preparedness of control centres (main & shadow).
- Test air raid warning systems and radio links (especially with the IAF).
- Initiate blackout and camouflage protocols.
- Review readiness of firefighting, rescue, and depot teams.
Impact on Public Life
The mock drill will temporarily disrupt normal life in designated districts. Residents may experience power outages and traffic halts during air raid warnings. Authorities may need to evacuate vulnerable populations to shelters. The Civil Defence Act allows for government powers during emergencies, including movement restrictions and property requisition.
International Context of Civil Defence
Globally, civil defence has evolved since World War I. Initial efforts focused on air raid precautions, but modern civil defence encompasses broader emergency management strategies. Countries have developed comprehensive systems to address both military threats and natural disasters. Recent examples include civil defence drills in South Korea and Ukraine in response to geopolitical tensions.
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