MHA orders civil defence drills in multiple states as India-Pakistan tensions rise after Pahalgam attack

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the
Ministry of Home Affairs
(MHA) directed several states to conduct
civil defence mock drills
to enhance emergency preparedness, Central government sources told ET.
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The attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, was linked to
Pakistan-backed terrorist groups
, further straining bilateral relations.
In response, the Government of India has directed the initiation of a series of proactive measures aimed at preparing civilian populations and infrastructure for potential threats.
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According to government sources, the drills focus on the following key actions:
Operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens
to test
early warning systems
and ensure rapid dissemination of alerts.
Training of Civilians and Students
on civil defence techniques to help protect themselves during hostile attacks.
Implementation of Crash Blackout Measures
to simulate urban blackouts aimed at reducing visibility to enemy surveillance.
Early Camouflaging of Vital Installations
such as power plants, government offices, and military assets to protect critical infrastructure.
Rehearsal and Updation of
Evacuation Plans
to improve coordination and response times in case of emergencies.

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