In a decisive move to bolster civil defence preparedness amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, Karnataka is set to conduct large-scale mock drills today, May 7, 2025, at three strategic locations: Bengaluru, Karwar, and Raichur. These exercises form part of the nationwide “Operation Abhyaas,” a civil defence initiative mandated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to be conducted across 244 vulnerable districts in India. The drills aim to train civilians and emergency responders in handling complex threat scenarios, including air raids, fires, evacuations, and medical emergencies, reinforcing the state’s readiness in the face of emerging security challenges.
The mock drills in Karnataka are part of a larger nationwide initiative mandated by the Ministry of Home Affairs to enhance civilian preparedness against potential threats such as air raids, chemical attacks, and natural disasters. With 244 districts across India participating, Karnataka’s focus on Bengaluru, Karwar, and Raichur highlights the state’s strategic importance and the government’s commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and populous urban centers. These drills are designed not only to test emergency protocols but also to build public confidence in the state’s ability to respond effectively during crises.
In Bengaluru, the drills have attracted significant attention from local residents, many of whom participated actively in the exercises. Volunteers were trained on how to respond to siren alerts, execute blackout procedures, and assist in evacuations. The involvement of educational institutions and corporate offices in the drills has helped spread awareness about civil defence measures among diverse sections of society. Officials have emphasized that such preparedness is vital in today’s security climate, where threats can arise unexpectedly and require swift, coordinated action.
Operation Abhyaas in Karnataka: Strengthening Civil Defence in Three Key Districts
Karnataka’s participation in Operation Abhyaas focuses on three critical districts, each selected for its strategic importance and vulnerability. Bengaluru, the state capital and a major metropolitan hub, hosts numerous defence establishments, public sector undertakings, and a dense population, making it a vital area for preparedness exercises. Karwar, located in Uttara Kannada district, is home to the Kaiga nuclear power plant, underscoring the need for robust emergency protocols. Raichur, known for its thermal power station, represents another high-risk zone requiring specialized civil defence training.
The first mock drill in Karnataka commenced at 4 pm today at the Civil Defence Headquarters in Ulsoor, Bengaluru. This initial exercise included simulations of incoming air raids with phased siren activations, blackout procedures, fire emergencies, search and rescue operations, casualty evacuation, and the establishment of temporary hospitals. Sirens, audible up to 3 kilometers, were activated in three distinct alarm tones to educate civilians on appropriate responses during different threat stages. The drills will continue throughout the week, with Karwar and Raichur scheduled for subsequent exercises.
Karwar’s inclusion in the drills is particularly crucial due to the presence of the Kaiga nuclear power plant, one of India’s key nuclear energy facilities. The mock exercises here focused extensively on nuclear emergency protocols, including containment measures, evacuation routes, and medical response to radiation exposure. Local authorities coordinated closely with the plant’s safety teams to ensure that the drills simulated realistic scenarios, preparing both civilians and plant personnel for any eventuality. This level of preparedness is essential to mitigate risks associated with nuclear installations.
Raichur’s mock drills centered around the thermal power station and the surrounding residential areas. Given the critical role of power generation in regional stability and economic activity, ensuring the safety of such infrastructure is a top priority. The drills included fire-fighting simulations, structural evacuation, and emergency medical care. Coordination between the power plant authorities, local police, fire services, and hospitals was tested rigorously, highlighting the importance of multi-agency collaboration in disaster management.
Karwar’s drill is particularly critical due to the presence of the Kaiga nuclear power plant, one of India’s key nuclear facilities. The exercise there will emphasize nuclear emergency preparedness, evacuation routes, and medical response to radiation hazards. Raichur’s drill will focus on safeguarding its thermal power station and surrounding communities, including fire-fighting simulations and mass evacuation procedures. These locations have been categorized as Category II Civil Defence Towns by the Ministry of Defence, requiring partial but focused implementation of civil defence programs
Comprehensive Civil Defence Training: What the Drills Entail
Operation Abhyaas is designed to test and enhance the coordination between civil defence personnel, emergency services, and the public. In Karnataka, approximately 5,000 civil defence volunteers in Bengaluru alone have been mobilized for the drills. The exercises cover a wide range of emergency scenarios, including:
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Activation of air raid sirens and execution of blackout measures to minimize visibility to potential attackers.
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Firefighting and rescue operations in simulated building fire incidents.
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Search and rescue techniques to locate and evacuate casualties from hazardous zones.
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Setting up of temporary medical facilities to treat injuries during emergencies.
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Organized evacuation of civilians from endangered areas to designated bunkers and demilitarized zones.
These drills aim to identify gaps in preparedness, improve response times, and ensure that both civilians and responders are well-versed in emergency protocols. The involvement of police stations, fire stations, hospitals, and key institutions across Bengaluru, Karwar, and Raichur ensures a holistic approach to civil defence readiness.
The government has also leveraged technology to enhance the effectiveness of these mock drills. Real-time communication systems, GIS mapping for evacuation routes, and mobile apps for alert dissemination were used extensively during the exercises. These tools helped streamline coordination among various agencies and ensured that civilians received timely information. The integration of technology into civil defence training reflects India’s push towards modernizing its emergency response capabilities and making them more efficient and accessible.
Feedback collected from participants and observers during the drills will be analyzed thoroughly to identify gaps and areas for improvement. Authorities have committed to conducting regular training sessions and updating emergency protocols based on lessons learned. The success of Operation Abhyaas in Karnataka could serve as a model for other states, encouraging a culture of preparedness and resilience that is essential for safeguarding lives and property in an increasingly uncertain security environment.
Strategic Importance of Karnataka’s Drill Locations Amid National Security Concerns
The selection of Bengaluru, Karwar, and Raichur aligns with their strategic significance in Karnataka’s security landscape. Bengaluru’s dense population and concentration of critical infrastructure make it a prime target in any conflict scenario, necessitating rigorous preparedness. Karwar’s Kaiga nuclear power plant represents a critical asset whose protection and emergency response capabilities are paramount. Raichur’s thermal power station similarly demands heightened vigilance due to its role in regional power supply.
These drills come in the wake of heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor strikes on terror infrastructure across the border. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ directive to conduct civil defence exercises in 244 districts nationwide reflects a broader strategy to enhance national resilience and civilian readiness amid evolving security threats.The mock drills in Karnataka are part of the nationwide Operation Abhyaas, which is being conducted in 244 districts across India to enhance civil defence preparedness amid rising India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack.
In Karnataka, the drills are focused on three key locations-Bengaluru, Karwar, and Raichur-selected for their strategic and infrastructural significance. Bengaluru, as a major metropolitan center with numerous defense establishments, is the first to conduct the exercise, starting at 4 pm on May 7 at the Civil Defence Headquarters in Ulsoor. Karwar and Raichur will follow with drills scheduled later in the week.
The Bengaluru mock drill involves a comprehensive simulation of an incoming air raid, including activation of sirens in three distinct alarm tones audible up to 3 kilometers, blackout protocols to reduce visibility, fire emergency responses, search and rescue operations, casualty evacuation, and setting up of temporary medical facilities. Approximately 5,000 civil defence volunteers, along with police, fire services, hospitals, and other emergency agencies, are participating to test coordination and response efficiency. The drill is also designed to educate civilians, including students and residents, on safety measures during aerial or ground attacks.
Public Participation and Government Coordination: Ensuring Effective Drill Execution
The success of Operation Abhyaas hinges on active public participation and seamless coordination among government agencies. Karnataka’s civil defence leadership, headed by Director General of Police Prashant Kumar Thakur, has emphasized the importance of involving civilians in these drills to foster a culture of preparedness. The drills also engage various stakeholders, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire departments, police stations, hospitals, and local administrations.
In Bengaluru, the mock drills are being conducted at 32 strategic locations, including major hospitals, police stations, fire stations, and critical infrastructure sites such as the Indian Institute, CQAL, ESI Hospital, NAL, Bangalore Dairy, and Canara Bank. Similar exercises are planned for Karwar and Raichur in coordination with district administrations. The drills not only simulate emergency responses but also serve as awareness campaigns, educating citizens on safety measures and the significance of timely, coordinated action during crises.
Karnataka’s civil defence mock drills under Operation Abhyaas represent a powerful step toward strengthening the state’s emergency response capabilities amid a volatile security environment. By training thousands of volunteers and simulating real-world crises at critical locations, the state is enhancing its resilience and ensuring that civilians and responders are better equipped to face potential threats. As the drills continue over the coming days, Karnataka is setting a benchmark for proactive civil defence measures, contributing to India’s broader national security and disaster preparedness framework.
The drills are part of a broader national contingency plan overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure readiness in the event of escalation or retaliation following recent military operations like Operation Sindoor. The Karnataka State Police and Civil Defence Department, led by Director General Prashant Kumar Thakur, are coordinating the exercises with district administrations and the State Disaster Response Force. Public participation and awareness are being actively encouraged, with the drills also serving as a platform to build a culture of preparedness and resilience among civilians across the state
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