Patna: India will conduct a large-scale mock drill on Wednesday across 300 districts, including Bihar’s capital Patna, to test civilian readiness in the event of air strikes — a move that follows heightened tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
The exercise comes a day after the Indian Army reportedly carried out air strikes targeting terrorist hideouts in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, destroying nine locations linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed in retaliation for the recent assault in Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, carried out late on Tuesday night, has reignited concerns about regional security and preparedness.
The mock drill, organised under the direction of the Union Home Ministry, is being positioned as a proactive measure to assess coordination between central, state and district agencies in a war-like situation. Sirens will be sounded in urban centres, including key areas of Patna such as the Secretariat, NIT, Patna University and the Disaster Control Room.
The drill will involve around 1,000 personnel, including 400 from civil defence, along with teams from the fire brigade, health services, police and district administration. Sirens mounted on emergency vehicles — fire trucks, ambulances and police cars — will be activated at intersections, where public announcements will guide residents on how to respond to a hypothetical strike.
District Magistrate Dr Chandrashekhar Singh confirmed that the drill aims to prepare civilians for emergency scenarios, including the possibility of power outages. “This is a rehearsal before any real emergency. People will be informed about the steps to take and the measures the administration can implement to ensure their safety,” he said.
Educational institutions will also take part, with special sessions and first aid training planned in schools and colleges. Residents will be instructed on seeking shelter in bunkers or reinforced buildings, as part of efforts to familiarise the public with emergency protocols.
Officials stress that the drill is not a cause for panic but a measure to bolster resilience and readiness across the country.
