Civil defence mock drills today in Bhubaneswar and other districts of Odisha; here’s what to expect

In response to escalating security concerns following India’s valiant Operation Sindoor, a nationwide civil defence preparedness exercise is set to commence today, May 7, 2025. 

This initiative, directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), aims to enhance civilian readiness against potential threats, particularly in light of the recent tensions with Pakistan.

Bhubaneswar, 11 Districts in Odisha to Participate

Odisha is actively participating in this nationwide drill, with exercises scheduled in 12 districts, including Bhubaneswar, Khordha, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Dhenkanal, Puri, Koraput, Sundargarh, and Angul.

In Bhubaneswar, the drill will begin at 4 pm. Residents will hear air raid sirens signalling the start and end of the exercise.

Upon hearing the sirens, individuals have been advised to seek shelter indoors or in nearby concrete structures. The drills will simulate emergency scenarios, including air raids and bombings, to test the preparedness of various agencies and the public.

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Importance of the Drills in the Current Context

The urgency of these drills has been amplified ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a series of surgical airstrikes targeting nine sites in Pakistan and PoJK. These strikes were in retaliation for a terrorist attack on April 22 in Kashmir that killed 26 people.

The Indian government emphasised that the operation was precise and non-escalatory, focusing on terrorist infrastructure. 

Given these developments, the civil defence drills are crucial for ensuring that civilians are prepared for any emergency. The exercises aim to educate the public on how to respond effectively during such attacks, including seeking shelter and avoiding open or vulnerable areas.

What to Expect During the Drills

• Air Raid Sirens: Sirens will sound at the beginning and end of the drill.
• Evacuation Procedures: Simulated evacuations will be conducted to test the readiness of emergency services and the public.
• Emergency Response Simulations: Scenarios such as bombings and air raids will be simulated to assess the response of various agencies.
• Public Guidance: Instructions will be provided to the public on how to react during emergencies, including seeking shelter and following official directives.

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Public Cooperation is Essential

Authorities urge all residents to participate actively and follow instructions during the drills. These exercises are designed to identify strengths and areas for improvement in the current civil defence preparedness. 

The cooperation of the public is vital to ensure the effectiveness of these drills and to enhance the overall safety and security of the community.