Mock drills announced in 12 key locations of Odisha amid rising India-Pakistan tensions

In view of a possible military escalation between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Odisha government has begun early preparations for civil defence exercises across the state.

Preliminary information confirms that mock drills will be held in 12 sensitive locations on 7th May 2025, in line with a national directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Strategic Locations Identified Across Odisha

Among the sites selected for the drills are several areas marked as strategically sensitive, including Chandipur in Balasore, Dhamra, and the state capital of Bhubaneswar.

"Angul, Khordha, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Dhenkanal, Puri, Koraput, and Sundargarh are the districts where mock drills will start tomorrow,” Sudhanshu Sarangi, Odisha Fire Services DG.

All of these places will be on alert and carry out mock drills across strategic locations and vital installations.

Other districts such as Cuttack, Puri, and the Paradip port zone, which house significant defence installations, ports, or administrative hubs, could be considered high-risk in the event of an armed conflict or large-scale terrorist attack, and may witness mock drills.

Residents in these areas will receive advance notifications, with mock scenarios simulating air raids, blackout conditions, evacuation protocols, and emergency rescue operations.

Citizens have been encouraged to cooperate fully, view the exercise as a learning opportunity, and prepare for any eventuality as tensions remain high.

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National Mandate Following Pahalgam Attack

The decision is part of a nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drill initiative announced by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

The letter sent to all State and UT authorities directed that on 7th May 2025, a full-scale civil defence rehearsal be conducted in all 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts across India. The aim, as stated, is to enhance readiness and coordination at all administrative levels, down to the village.

The Ministry specified that the drills are being held to assess and enhance operational efficacy, communication links with the Indian Air Force, civilian training, and response to hostile threats, particularly air raids. Odisha’s drills are expected to closely mirror this national agenda.

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Tensions Mount as Security Concerns Deepen

The announcement follows the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 were killed in a terrorist ambush in which Pakistan-based terror outfits claimed responsibility for the assault.

In response, India has given its armed forces a free hand, and civil defence mechanisms are being activated across the nation.