India-Pakistan tension: May 7 security drills planned at 244 locations across states

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has directed 244 districts to participate in “effective civil defence” drills on 7 May as tensions between India and Pakistan rise.

A nationwide civil defence mock drill is scheduled for 7 May across states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal, the central government stated on Monday.

The development comes amid heightened national security following the 22 April terror incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.

A member of the National Disaster Management Authority was quoted as saying, “We are reviewing preparedness. Loopholes to be rectified have been identified,” after the MHA meeting.

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The Home Ministry’s directive states that the 7 May drill will focus on key tasks aimed at strengthening civil defence preparedness in both urban and rural areas.

In light of “new and complex threats” emerging in the “current geo-political scenario,” the Centre has instructed all states to hold simulated exercises across the 244 civil defence districts.

The security exercise will take place in border states including Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

One of the main objectives will be to test the air raid warning system.

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Additionally, blackout procedures will be practised during the 7 May drills.

The directive comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a series of high-level meetings in Delhi to discuss India’s response to the 22 April terror incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.