New Delhi – As Indian military forces executed Operation Sindoor against terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Operation Abhyaas in Delhi and 243 other civil defence districts across India witnessed citizens participating in the country’s largest civil defence drill since the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The carefully orchestrated exercise tested emergency preparedness protocols and educated civilians on survival tactics during potential conflict situations.
Operation Abhyaas in Delhi: Schools Conduct Duck-and-Cover Drills
Operation Abhyaas in Delhi saw educational institutions taking an active role in preparing the younger generation for emergency situations. At ITL Public School, students demonstrated remarkable discipline when sirens blared, promptly taking cover under their desks as part of the duck-and-cover protocol. Principal Sudha Acharya used this opportunity to emphasize the critical importance of emergency preparedness.
“During Operation Abhyaas in Delhi, we highlighted several essential preparedness measures for our students,” Acharya explained. “These included assembling emergency kits, identifying safe zones such as basements or designated shelters, and maintaining supplies of essentials like food, water, and medicines.”
The participation of schools in Operation Abhyaas in Delhi underscores the comprehensive approach authorities have taken to ensure all segments of society are equipped with basic survival knowledge. Teachers and administrators across multiple educational institutions coordinated with civil defence officials to implement age-appropriate drills that wouldn’t cause panic while still conveying the seriousness of emergency preparedness.
Ministry Guidelines for Operation Abhyaas in Delhi
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued detailed protocols for Operation Abhyaas in Delhi and other participating districts, outlining specific objectives for the nationwide exercise. These objectives included testing the effectiveness of air raid warning systems, establishing operational communication links with the Indian Air Force, implementing camouflage techniques for critical installations, and evaluating the readiness of civil defence services.
Local authorities executing Operation Abhyaas in Delhi followed these guidelines meticulously, with coordination between multiple agencies including the Delhi Police, Fire Department, and Civil Defence volunteers. The drill was designed to simulate various emergency scenarios that could potentially arise during conflict situations, allowing responders to identify and address procedural gaps before actual emergencies occur.
“Operation Abhyaas in Delhi represents our commitment to civilian safety and security preparedness,” noted a senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs. “Today’s exercises will help us refine our emergency response mechanisms and ensure that both authorities and citizens are better prepared for any eventuality.”
Blackout Protocols Implemented During Operation Abhyaas in Delhi
As evening descended on the capital, Operation Abhyaas in Delhi progressed to include blackout protocols in several neighborhoods. Residents were advised to turn off lights, draw curtains, and minimize outdoor movements. Many areas reported near-complete darkness as citizens complied with the drill requirements, using candles for essential lighting needs while remaining indoors.
The blackout component of Operation Abhyaas in Delhi simulated conditions that might be necessary during aerial threats, when minimizing light signatures can reduce targeting risks. Civil defence officials patrolled neighborhoods to ensure compliance and offer assistance to those requiring help during the temporary darkness.
“I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” remarked Rohini resident Priya Sharma during Operation Abhyaas in Delhi. “It’s somewhat unsettling, but also reassuring to know that authorities are taking steps to prepare us. My parents told me about similar drills during the 1971 war, but this is the first time our generation is participating in such an exercise.”
NDRF Demonstrations as Part of Operation Abhyaas in Delhi
Khan Market in New Delhi became a focal point of Operation Abhyaas in Delhi as National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel conducted public demonstrations of rescue techniques and safety protocols. Curious onlookers gathered to observe professionals showcase emergency response methods, including casualty evacuation, first aid administration, and navigating through debris or damaged structures.
The NDRF’s involvement in Operation Abhyaas in Delhi highlighted the multi-faceted nature of emergency response, emphasizing that conflict situations often require disaster management skills beyond just seeking shelter. Personnel demonstrated how ordinary items could be repurposed for emergency use and how citizens could assist first responders during crises.
“What we’re teaching during Operation Abhyaas in Delhi is that preparedness is everyone’s responsibility,” explained an NDRF commander overseeing the demonstrations. “While professional responders will lead emergency efforts, knowledgeable citizens can dramatically improve outcomes during crises by knowing basic safety and first aid protocols.”
Realistic Scenarios Enacted During Operation Abhyaas in Delhi
The capital witnessed dramatic scenes across 55 designated locations as Operation Abhyaas in Delhi featured realistic enactments of emergency scenarios. Sirens pierced the air, triggering coordinated responses from both officials and participating civilians. People rushed to identified safe zones while mock casualties were triaged and evacuated on stretchers, creating a realistic simulation that tested both procedural effectiveness and psychological preparedness.
These live-action components of Operation Abhyaas in Delhi were designed to familiarize citizens with the sights and sounds of emergency responses, potentially reducing panic and confusion during actual crises. By desensitizing participants to the initially alarming aspects of emergency operations, authorities hope to foster more rational and cooperative public behavior during real emergencies.
“Operation Abhyaas in Delhi isn’t just about going through motions,” clarified a Civil Defence coordinator. “These realistic scenarios help embed proper responses in muscle memory and collective understanding, which is invaluable when seconds count during actual emergencies.”
Operation Abhyaas: Part of a Nationwide Security Initiative
While Operation Abhyaas in Delhi captured significant attention, similar exercises unfolded simultaneously across India. Mumbai conducted drills at strategic locations including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a site previously targeted during the 26/11 terrorist attacks. Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) conducted both separate and joint security exercises to test coordination protocols.
Bengaluru also implemented large-scale civil defence mock drills across multiple locations, focusing on its technology hubs and transportation networks. The nationwide scope of these exercises, including Operation Abhyaas in Delhi, reflects growing security concerns amid rising regional tensions.
The timing of Operation Abhyaas in Delhi and other cities—coinciding with Operation Sindoor’s military strikes against terror infrastructure—was not officially acknowledged as related. However, security analysts note that such comprehensive civil preparedness exercises often correlate with periods of heightened international tension or following significant security incidents like the recent Pahalgam attack.
Citizen Responses to Operation Abhyaas in Delhi
Public reaction to Operation Abhyaas in Delhi revealed a mix of sentiments, from appreciation for preparedness efforts to concern about the geopolitical implications. Many citizens expressed support for the initiative while acknowledging the sobering reality that such preparations reflect.
“Participating in Operation Abhyaas in Delhi made me realize how unprepared most of us would be in an actual emergency,” admitted Rajiv Mehta, a South Delhi resident. “The drill was inconvenient for a few hours, but that discomfort serves as an important reminder that we shouldn’t take our security for granted.”
Social media platforms buzzed with discussions about Operation Abhyaas in Delhi, with many users sharing tips and personal experiences from the drill. Civil defence officials monitored these conversations, noting common questions and concerns to address in future public education campaigns.
Closing Remarks: Lessons from Operation Abhyaas in Delhi
As Operation Abhyaas in Delhi concluded, officials began the process of evaluating its effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement. The exercise—India’s most comprehensive civil defence drill in over five decades—represents a significant step in modernizing the country’s civilian emergency response capabilities.
The successful implementation of Operation Abhyaas in Delhi demonstrated both governmental commitment to civilian protection and citizens’ willingness to participate in collective security efforts. As regional tensions continue to evolve, the lessons learned from this exercise will likely inform updates to emergency protocols and public education initiatives.
While hoping such measures never need implementation in actual conflict scenarios, Operation Abhyaas in Delhi has undoubtedly enhanced the capital’s preparedness posture. As one participating official noted, “In matters of emergency preparedness, it’s always better to have protocols you never need than to need protocols you never developed.”
