Amid rising geopolitical tensions and the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, India is conducting Operation Abhyas—a massive civil defense exercise across 244 districts today. This drill, ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), simulates war-like scenarios, including air raid sirens, blackouts, and evacuations, to bolster national readiness.
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India Launches Operation Abhyas: A Nationwide Drill to Test War Preparedness
Why This Drill Matters
The exercise aims to prepare citizens and authorities for potential external threats, particularly in conflict-prone regions. With political instability escalating, Operation Abhyas tests India’s Integrated Response System (IRS)—a framework designed to protect civilians during emergencies like aerial attacks.
Mock Drill Timings: City-Wise Schedule
Here’s a breakdown of today’s key drills (May 7, 2025):
- Delhi: 4 PM–7 PM (Sirens, evacuation protocols)
- Bareilly, UP: 8 PM–8:10 PM (District-wide blackout; residents advised to switch off lights/phones)
- Visakhapatnam: 4 PM air raid simulation; 7 PM blackout at Kotha Jalaripeta and Oxygen Towers
- Kerala: 4 PM drills across 14 districts
- Dehradun: 4 PM sirens at Dhara Police Chowki, DM Complex, and 3 other locations
- Kalpakkam, TN: 4 PM–4:30 PM drills at Madras Atomic Power Station
Note: Most regions begin drills at 4 PM, but confirm local advisories for updates.
What to Expect During the Drill
- Sirens: Loud alarms will signal mock air raids.
- Blackouts: Lights-out drills to simulate wartime conditions.
- Evacuations: Guided movements to safe zones in select areas.
SSP B Murthy (Jhansi) emphasizes, “This is not a cause for panic but a step toward collective resilience.”
Why Citizens Must Participate
The MHA urges compliance to:
- Identify gaps in emergency response systems.
- Train communities to act swiftly during crises.
- Strengthen India’s defense coordination between metros and rural areas.
DM Avinash Singh (Bareilly) warns, “Avoid using flashlights or phones during blackouts to ensure the drill’s effectiveness.”
FAQs: Operation Abhyas
A: While voluntary, participation helps authorities refine disaster protocols.
A: No, but minimize usage during blackouts to avoid overwhelming systems.
A: Typically 2–3 minutes, repeated at intervals.
Final Thoughts
Operation Abhyas isn’t just a drill—it’s a wake-up call for national vigilance. By understanding timings and protocols, every citizen becomes a stakeholder in India’s security.
Stay updated with real-time alerts on [Official MHA Website] or trusted news portals like us.
