Nationwide Mock Drill in India on May 7, 2025: Operation Abhyaas and the 4:00 PM Blackout Simulation
India is set to witness one of its largest civil defence exercises on May 7, 2025, under Operation Abhyaas. This nationwide mock drill will be conducted simultaneously across 259 districts, organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The drill aims to enhance disaster preparedness and civil defence capabilities in light of escalating geopolitical tensions and recent domestic threats.
Among the various elements of this drill, one of the most critical and widely discussed is the 4:00 PM blackout simulation, which will be observed in multiple cities across India.
Why Is a Nationwide Mock Drill Being Conducted?
The decision to conduct this comprehensive drill stems from heightened security concerns following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians lost their lives. The attack, claimed by a Pakistan-backed terrorist group, has raised alarms about India’s vulnerability to cross-border terror and internal threats.
In response, the MHA has rolled out a detailed exercise to test the readiness of citizens, emergency services, public administration, and key infrastructure during wartime or large-scale disaster scenarios.
Operation Abhyaas is not just about physical preparedness; it is also about psychological readiness. Officials aim to instill a sense of alertness and understanding among the population while avoiding panic.
Scope and Structure of Operation Abhyaas
The drill is structured to include a variety of components that simulate real-life emergency scenarios, including:
- Air raid sirens: To simulate aerial threats
- Evacuation drills: In schools, government buildings, and crowded marketplaces
- Power blackouts: To mimic wartime or disaster-related electrical failures
- Communication shutdowns: In select regions, mobile and internet access may be temporarily restricted
- First responder deployment: Involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and civil defence volunteers
- Mass casualty management simulations
Timing and Location Details: Focus on the 4:00 PM Drill
⏰ Nationwide Mock Drill Timing
The mock drill will officially begin at 4:00 PM IST on May 7, 2025, in most participating districts. Activities will be synchronized to allow emergency services to evaluate response times and coordination effectiveness.
🌆 City-Specific Mock Drill Activities
1. Delhi:
- Over 650 schools and 55 strategic locations will take part in mock evacuations.
- The drill will start at 4:00 PM with a siren followed by building evacuations and a short-term blackout simulation.
2. Kolkata, West Bengal:
- A seven-day mock drill campaign begins on May 7.
- At 4:00 PM, sirens will be sounded from 90 key buildings, including the Calcutta High Court, Mahajati Sadan, and Lalbazar Police Headquarters.
- Public is advised to stay calm as this is only a drill.
3. Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh:
- A 10-minute blackout from 8:00 PM to 8:10 PM IST around the Indian Veterinary Research Institute campus will simulate a wartime blackout scenario.
4. Chennai, Tamil Nadu:
- The Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) and Chennai Port Trust will carry out full-fledged drills.
- The operation starts at 4:00 PM, involving both sirens and evacuation protocols.
5. Mumbai, Maharashtra:
- Mumbai will focus on mass transit systems.
- Suburban rail stations, airports, and municipal buildings will conduct evacuations at 4:00 PM sharp.
Public Advisory and Guidelines
Authorities have issued clear instructions to prevent panic:
- Do not panic: This is a mock drill, not an actual emergency.
- Cooperate: Follow the instructions of civil defence personnel and volunteers.
- Prepare: Keep essentials like water, torches, and ID cards handy.
- Stay updated: Use only official government channels for information. Avoid rumors or misinformation.
- Follow local guidelines: Instructions may vary by state and district.
Objectives Behind the 4:00 PM Blackout Simulation
The blackout simulation, scheduled for 4:00 PM, is a key component of Operation Abhyaas. It is designed to:
- Test power grid resilience
- Evaluate emergency lighting systems in hospitals and key public buildings
- Train citizens to react calmly to sudden power loss
- Assess response time of backup systems and generators
The blackout will be symbolic in some areas and complete in others, depending on regional capabilities and sensitivity.
Government and NDMA’s Role
The NDMA has circulated mock drill handbooks, conducted webinars for local administrators, and even run simulations with state disaster management authorities in the lead-up to the big day.
The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized that this initiative is not reactive but proactive. Rather than waiting for another tragedy, the government wants to ensure preparedness across all levels of society.
Civil Defence and School Participation
Schoolchildren and college students will play a major role in Operation Abhyaas. Over 8,000 educational institutions will be part of drills across India.
At exactly 4:00 PM, students will be asked to:
- Duck under desks (earthquake scenario)
- Evacuate buildings in a line
- Move to designated assembly points
Volunteers from NCC, NSS, and Bharat Scouts & Guides will assist in crowd management.
Historical Context: India’s Mock Drills
India has conducted local mock drills in the past—for floods, earthquakes, and industrial accidents—but a coordinated, national-level drill involving blackout simulations and sirens is unprecedented.
The last multi-state drill was held in 2019, focusing only on earthquake scenarios in northeastern states. Operation Abhyaas 2025 is the first to include blackout and air raid siren drills nationwide.
Social Media and Misinformation Warning
The government has issued a directive under the Information Technology Act warning citizens against:
- Sharing fake videos or panic-inducing content
- Claiming the drill is a real war or disaster
- Creating communal or political misinformation
Cyber cells in each state will monitor and take down such content in real-time.
Political and Public Response
While the majority have welcomed the drill as a step toward better preparedness, some political voices have raised concerns:
- Opposition parties in West Bengal and Punjab questioned the motive and transparency.
- Civil rights groups have urged the government to provide clear communication to avoid triggering trauma in conflict-prone zones.
However, public response in metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi has largely been cooperative and curious. Many people see this as an educational opportunity.
Final Words: Preparedness Is Protection
As the clock ticks toward 4:00 PM on May 7, 2025, citizens are reminded that their participation, awareness, and calmness are crucial to the success of Operation Abhyaas. In an era of increasing threats—whether man-made or natural—civil preparedness can no longer be a secondary concern.
The nationwide mock drill will not just test the emergency response infrastructure but also reflect how mentally prepared India is to protect its people in times of crisis.
1 thought on “Nationwide Mock Drill in India on May 7, 2025: Operation Abhyaas and the 4:00 PM Blackout Simulation”