A comprehensive mock drill is going to be held in Uttar Pradesh on 7 May 2025, which is a golden opportunity to prepare not only security forces but also ordinary citizens for an emergency. Recently, the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam and the increasing tension with the neighboring country have alerted the country to potential threats. On the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs, this exercise will be done in 19 districts across Uttar Pradesh, in which police, fire service, disaster management teams and civil administrations will work unitedly. This article will tell you in detail about the complete information, its importance and preparations to this mock drill.

Mock drill purpose: security and awareness

This mock drill is not just a formal practice, but it is an attempt to train citizens to take the right steps in emergency.

UP Director General of Police Prashant Kumar said that for this exercise, the districts have been divided into three categories – A, B and C. Narora (Bulandshahr) is placed in category 'A', while Baghpat and Muzaffarnagar are in category 'C'. The rest of the districts like Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Varanasi etc. are included in category 'B'. The purpose of this exercise is to ensure quick response and safety of citizens in circumstances like air strikes.

When and where will the siren be todged?

During this mock drill, sirens will be played at different times in different districts. The exercise will be held at 4 pm in Narora, while the echo of Siren will be heard in Lucknow at 7 pm and in Agra at 8 pm.

This practice will be done twice in Ghaziabad at 10 am and 8 pm. The event will be held in Kanpur at 9:30 am and 4 pm, while in Prayagraj at 6:30 pm. Some districts such as Varanasi and Muzaffarnagar have not yet been scheduled. In particular, the media will not cover the drill in Bakshi's pond, as the Home Ministry has directed.

What will happen in a mock drill?

The main attraction of this exercise will be a siren warning of an air strike. Long voice will indicate alert, while the short voice will suggest that the situation is under control. Citizens are advised to identify the nearest shelter site such as basements or underground parking. In addition, keep an emergency kit ready, which includes flashlight, additional batteries, water, breakfast and first aid kits.

On hearing the siren, one has to stop external activities and go to a safe place. Do not make unnecessary use of the phone so that emergency communication lines remain open. Follow the administration's instructions and avoid nervousness. This exercise is designed to include not only adults but also children and the elderly.

Civil training: participation of children and the elderly

Community training sessions will be held in several districts before the mock drill. In these sessions, children will be taught basic techniques like bending down in emergency, covering head and going to a safe place. Adults will be taught skills such as first aid and CPR. It will be ensured that every age group actively participate in this practice.

Blackout preparation: Control on lights

An important part of the mock drill is the practice of blackout measures. Citizens are advised to apply thick curtains or blinds on the windows so that there is no light from outside. Prepare to operate the house without electricity and use dark colored clothes or cardboard. This practice is important to avoid enemy aerial attacks at night.

Why is this practice important?

In today's era, when global and regional tension are increasing, such preparations are necessary for every citizen. This mock drill will not only test the readiness of the administration, but will also give confidence to the common people that they can face any crisis. This is a chance when we can take responsibility for our safety ourselves and keep our family, neighborhood and society safe.