Civil defence measures reactivated as Line of Control remains volatile; blackouts, sirens, and evacuation rehearsals planned across states
May 5, 2025 | New Delhi: In a significant move amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed several Indian states to conduct security mock drills on Wednesday, May 7. These drills, aimed at enhancing civil defence preparedness during hostile attacks, mark the first nationwide effort of this scale since the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
The directive comes amid repeated ceasefire violations across the Line of Control (LoC) and mounting cross-border hostilities following the April 22 massacre that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir.
⚠️ MHA-Mandated Civil Defence Measures:
States and districts have been asked to implement the following actions:
- Operationalise air raid sirens in high-risk zones
- Train civilians and students in civil defence procedures
- Conduct crash blackouts to simulate wartime power cuts
- Camouflage critical infrastructure, especially power, defence, and communication nodes
- Update and rehearse evacuation plans
🔦 Blackout Drills Already Begin
In Punjab’s Ferozepur cantonment, authorities conducted a 30-minute blackout drill on Sunday, requesting PSPCL (Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd) to cut electricity from 9:00 to 9:30 PM. A notification noted the drill’s importance in ensuring readiness amid prevailing war threats.
🇮🇳 High-Level Military Consultations Underway
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting today with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, following recent consultations with the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. These high-level meetings are being closely watched as indicators of India’s strategic response.
PM Modi has declared that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam massacre will face “punishment they cannot imagine.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh added, “What you desire will certainly happen,” hinting at potential action.
🌍 Diplomatic Fallout and Water Treaty Suspension
India has already suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) — a 1960 agreement crucial to Pakistan’s agricultural water supply. This marks a historic first, as the IWT was upheld even during the 1965, 1971, and Kargil wars.
Other steps include:
- Downgrading diplomatic ties
- Expelling Pakistani diplomats
- Revoking visas for Pakistani nationals in India
Pakistan has warned that blocking river waters could be seen as an “act of war”, and has threatened to suspend the Simla Agreement — a foundational pact that validates the LoC. Pakistan has violated the 2003 ceasefire agreement for 11 consecutive nights, triggering fears of further escalation.
📌 Tags:
India Pakistan Tensions, Security Drills, Pahalgam Attack, Indus Waters Treaty, Line of Control, Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, Civil Defence, India News