India conducted its most extensive civil defence exercise in over five decades, code-named Operation Abhyaas, across 244 districts nationwide on 7 May 2025.

This large-scale initiative, organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs and coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority, aimed to bolster civilian preparedness amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives.

Key Features of Operation Abhyaas

• Air Raid Sirens and Blackouts: Major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, activated air raid sirens to simulate hostile scenarios. In Delhi, 60 sirens were sounded across 55 locations at 4:00 PM, followed by a scheduled 15-minute blackout in the NDMC area from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM. 
• Evacuation and Rescue Drills: Simulated emergency responses, including evacuations and rescue operations, were conducted at key public locations such as railway stations, schools, and markets. In Mumbai, drills at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus involved coordinated efforts by civil defence teams and emergency responders. 
• Public Participation: The exercise saw active involvement from over 10,000 volunteers, including civil defence personnel, NCC cadets, home guards, and students, emphasizing community engagement in emergency preparedness. 

Strategic Significance
Operation Abhyaas marked a significant step in enhancing India's readiness for potential hostile threats. By simulating real-world emergency scenarios, the drill aimed to test and improve the coordination among various agencies and the public's responsiveness, ensuring a robust defence mechanism against any future contingencies.