The Government of India is bolstering its civil defence capabilities in response to escalating tensions with Pakistan. A nationwide civil defence mock drill is scheduled for May 7, 2025, marking the first major exercise of its kind since the 1971 India-Pakistan war. This initiative, spanning 244 designated districts, aims to evaluate and enhance the readiness of civil defence mechanisms, as outlined in a recent communication from the Union Home Ministry emphasising the protection of citizens during emergencies.
What Is Civil Defence?
Civil defence encompasses government-led efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies caused by conflicts or natural disasters. Its core objectives include:
- Protecting non-combatants from military attacks.
- Implementing principles of 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 framework was formalised after the 1962 conflicts with China and Pakistan. The Civil Defence Act of 1968 expanded its scope to include disaster management, with subsequent amendments integrating disaster response into civil defence operations.
What Are Civil Defence Districts?
Civil Defence Districts are strategically identified areas for implementing civil defence programmes. The Ministry of Defence designates these districts based on their vulnerability and critical infrastructure. Currently, India has 259 Civil Defence Districts, classified into three threat-level categories, selected for:
- Border proximity (e.g., Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir).
- High population and urban vulnerability.
- Strategic infrastructure (e.g., defence bases, power plants, refineries, ports, communication hubs).
Mock Drill Objectives and Activities
The mock drill aims to strengthen preparedness through the following activities:
- Training civilians in protective actions during attacks.
- Assessing the preparedness of control centres (main and shadow).
- Testing air raid warning systems and radio links, particularly with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- Implementing blackout and camouflage protocols.
- Evaluating the readiness of firefighting, rescue, and depot teams.
Impact on Public Life
The mock drill will temporarily disrupt daily life in the designated districts. Expected impacts include:
- Power outages and traffic halts during air raid warnings.
- Potential evacuations of vulnerable populations to shelters.
- Government powers under the Civil Defence Act, including movement restrictions and property requisition during emergencies.
International Context of Civil Defence
Globally, civil defence has evolved since World War I, initially focusing on air raid precautions. Modern civil defence encompasses comprehensive emergency management for military threats and natural disasters. Recent examples include civil defence drills in South Korea and Ukraine, driven by geopolitical tensions.
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