Operation Abhyaas 2025: India conducted a nationwide civil defence mock drill on May 7, 2025, under Operation Abhyaas. Spanning 244 districts, including key areas of West Bengal like Kolkata, the drill tested air raid sirens, evacuation plans, blackout readiness, and public response amid heightened security concerns after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Operation Abhyaas 2025: India Responds Decisively to Rising Threats
In the wake of the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, many from West Bengal, the Indian government has responded with a firm and proactive civil defence initiative. Operation Abhyaas, launched on May 7, 2025, is being hailed as the largest peacetime emergency preparedness exercise since the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
Coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the drill was held across 244 districts. The focus was to assess the country’s ability to handle large-scale emergencies—particularly those involving external threats, air raids, and civil unrest.
Objectives of Operation Abhyaas 2025
The civil defence drill had four key objectives:
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Simulate Response to Air Raid Scenarios
Sirens mimicking wartime alerts were tested for range and audibility, especially in urban areas. -
Implement Controlled Blackouts
Power cuts were simulated to gauge how quickly authorities and residents could adjust to blackout protocols, particularly in high-density areas. -
Evacuation Preparedness
Residents in pre-selected zones participated in timed evacuations to assess their speed, route efficiency, and coordination. -
Public Training in Crisis Response
Citizens were educated on identifying sirens, seeking shelter, first aid administration, and maintaining communication in emergencies.
These drills come at a time when regional tensions are intensifying and the need for public readiness is more urgent than ever.
West Bengal’s Comprehensive Participation in Operation Abhyaas
Why West Bengal Was Central to the Drill
West Bengal was one of the most crucial states involved in the operation for several reasons:
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Many victims of the April 22 attack were from Bengal.
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Kolkata, the state capital, is a major urban and economic hub.
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Historical vulnerabilities during past conflicts make it a vital area for preparedness drills.
Kolkata’s Siren Network and Key Installations
Over 90 high-decibel sirens were installed and activated in Kolkata for the drill. These sirens were positioned atop major landmarks and government institutions, such as:
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The Civil Defence Directorate Building
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Kolkata Police Headquarters (Lalbazar)
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Mahajati Sadan
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Calcutta High Court
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Several municipal offices and metro stations
When these sirens went off at 10 AM on May 7, residents in Central Kolkata heard the simulated air-raid alerts for the first time in decades.
District-Wide Participation Across West Bengal
In addition to Kolkata, 31 other sites across 23 districts of the state participated. Drills included:
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Mock evacuations in densely populated areas like Howrah, Durgapur, Asansol, and Siliguri.
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Quick Response Team (QRT) deployment by the state disaster response force.
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Simulations of chemical attacks and bomb threats in industrial zones.
Civil defence volunteers, school students, fire brigades, and police departments collaborated in real-time scenarios.
National Execution: Activities Across India
Across India, Operation Abhyaas unfolded with incredible coordination:
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In Delhi, evacuation drills were held in Connaught Place and nearby metro stations.
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Mumbai tested sirens and conducted mock hostage rescue missions.
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Bengaluru and Chennai simulated firebomb situations in tech parks and train stations.
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Hyderabad focused on airport security drills and chemical attack simulations.
Thousands of volunteers and residents were involved. Over 2 million citizens reportedly participated nationwide.
Unique Drills in Kolkata: School Evacuations and Simulated Raids
Kolkata saw a variety of tailored drills:
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Schools such as South Point, Don Bosco, and Calcutta Boys conducted full-scale evacuations. Teachers guided children to safety zones while mock alerts blared over PA systems.
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A blackout simulation in Salt Lake Sector V tested emergency lighting systems in IT offices.
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Police-led simulated manhunts were carried out in Esplanade and New Town to test surveillance and response times.
The drills helped identify bottlenecks in response coordination—especially in older neighborhoods with narrow lanes.
Reactions From Officials and the Public
Government and Emergency Services Speak Out
West Bengal’s Civil Defence Minister Javed Ahmed Khan remarked:
“This is the most extensive and coordinated emergency drill in the state’s history. It has shown us both our strengths and areas for urgent improvement.”
Commissioner of Kolkata Police, Vineet Kumar Goyal, highlighted how modern GIS-mapping tools were used to track evacuation zones and response deployment.
Public Response: A Mix of Support and Surprise
While many citizens welcomed the initiative, others expressed concerns about:
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Lack of prior notice: Some residents panicked during siren tests.
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Communication lapses: In certain districts, drills were not clearly explained to the public beforehand.
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Fake news: Social media buzz led to confusion and rumors, prompting Kolkata Police to issue clarifying statements in real time.
Despite hiccups, the overall response was largely positive, with many people sharing their experience on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram using hashtags like #OperationAbhyaas2025.
Significance Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Operation Abhyaas wasn’t conducted in isolation. It comes in the backdrop of:
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The Pahalgam terror attack, raising fears of future coordinated assaults.
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Rising tensions with neighboring countries, especially Pakistan and China.
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The ongoing general elections, where national security is a key issue.
Experts suggest that the drill sends a strong message of internal preparedness and civil resilience. It also aligns with India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by strengthening internal security networks.
Future Implications: What Comes After Operation Abhyaas?
Lessons Learned
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Siren Audibility Maps will be updated to cover uncovered regions.
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Mobile alert systems will be expanded using the PM-WANI Wi-Fi network.
- School curriculum changes are underway to include civil defence training modules.
Upcoming Plans
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A second phase of Operation Abhyaas is tentatively planned for October 2025, which may include cyber-attack simulations.
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Mock hospital drills, including trauma response, will be added.
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Private companies and housing societies will be encouraged to create internal civil defence plans.
Conclusion: India’s Preparedness Is Evolving
Operation Abhyaas 2025 marks a historic step toward proactive civilian defense in a high-risk global environment. As India grows economically and politically, the need for secure, well-trained, and alert populations becomes critical.
West Bengal’s active participation—especially that of Kolkata—demonstrates that regional preparedness is as important as national strategies. While not perfect, the drill showed that India is not only ready to defend its borders—but also its citizens.
DO FOLLOW:
- West Bengal Government Official Website
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
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All India Radio (Akashvani)
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