Nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drill on May 7: Sirens, Blackout, and Safety Protocols Issued

Ganpat Singh Chouhan

Citizens advised to turn off lights, halt vehicles, and avoid mobile use during 10-minute blackout across key districts

Patna, May 6, 2025 — In light of escalating regional tensions and the need to enhance public preparedness, the Central Government of INDIA has directed all states and Union Territories to conduct a nationwide civil defence mock drill on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The drill is aimed at training civilians for emergency response during potential aerial attacks or wartime scenarios.

In Bihar, the mock drill will be conducted across six key districts: Patna, Purnia, Katihar, Begusarai, Araria, and Kishanganj. A 10-minute blackout will take place between 7:00 PM and 7:10 PM, with sirens sounding beforehand to signal the start of the drill.

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Mock Drill Schedule & Instructions

According to guidelines issued by the District Administration and the Directorate General of Civil Defence, the following sequence will be followed on May 7:

6:58 PM: Sirens will sound at key intersections and public areas
6:58–7:00 PM: Two minutes of continuous siren to alert citizens
7:00 PM: Complete power shutdown (blackout) begins
7:00–7:10 PM: No lights, vehicle movement, or mobile phone usage allowed
7:10 PM: Power to be gradually restored

The blackout will simulate wartime air raid conditions, allowing authorities to assess public response, infrastructure readiness, and communication systems.

Dos and Don’ts During the Mock Drill

Do:

Immediately turn off all lights, including inverter lights, at home, in shops, and on vehicles
Pull over safely and stop your vehicle if you are on the road when sirens sound
Keep mobile phones switched off or on airplane mode
Cooperate with local authorities and civil defence volunteers

Don’t:

Do not use mobile phones, flashlights, or torches unless absolutely necessary
Do not continue driving once the siren begins—stop safely at the side
Do not panic; this is only a preparedness exercise
Do not use generators or inverters (exception: hospitals)

District officials emphasized that no fines or legal actions will be taken for non-compliance, but citizen participation is strongly encouraged.

Hospitals and Emergency Services Exempt

Purnia District Magistrate (DM) Kundan Kumar clarified that healthcare facilities are exempt from the blackout and will continue to operate using backup power systems. He added:

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“We urge citizens not to panic. This is a rehearsal for emergency preparedness. Hospitals and emergency services will not be disrupted.”

Public Awareness Campaigns Launched

All participating districts held press briefings on Tuesday to inform citizens about the drill. Patna DM Chandrashekhar stated:

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“This is a crucial simulation to prepare both authorities and civilians for potential wartime scenarios. Everyone’s cooperation is vital to ensure its success.”

Local administrations have also launched awareness drives via radio, television, and social media, urging citizens to participate responsibly.

Why This Drill Is Important

The decision to organize such a widespread mock drill follows the recent Pahalgam terror attack and rising tensions along the western border. The drill will help:

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Test air raid warning systems
Train civilians in emergency response
Strengthen inter-agency coordination
Evaluate blackout effectiveness and communication protocols

It’s the first exercise of this scale since 1971, reflecting a renewed national focus on civilian defence readiness.

Participating Districts in Bihar

Patna
Purnia
Katihar
Begusarai
Araria
Kishanganj

Citizens in these districts are requested to plan their evening activities accordingly and follow safety advisories issued by local officials.

Key Takeaways

Mock drill date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Blackout duration: 10 minutes (7:00–7:10 PM)
Siren warning: Begins at 6:58 PM
Instructions: Turn off all lights, stop vehicles, don’t use phones
Purpose: Simulate wartime emergency and improve civil preparedness
Exemptions: Hospitals and critical services will continue operations

Author Profile

Ganpat Singh Chouhan: My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.