Operation Abhyaas: Hyderabad’s mock drill to begin with sirens at 4 PM on May 7
Hyderabad: As part of the Civil Defence Act 1968, the Telangana government is preparing for a mock drill titled "Operation Abhyaas," scheduled for May 7, 2025, at 4:00 PM. This nationwide exercise, coordinated by the Government of India, aims to enhance civil preparedness in case of hostile attacks. Hyderabad City, along with 244 other vulnerable districts across the country, will participate in the drill.
The mock drill will simulate an incoming air raid and will take place within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) limits of Hyderabad. Twelve Civil Defence Services will be involved in the operations.
Key Activities During the Mock Drill
At 4:00 PM, sirens will sound throughout the city, signaling the start of the drill. Various agencies, including the police, fire services, medical, and industrial departments, will activate sirens to alert the public. These sirens will be operational for two minutes.
Instructions for the Public
• Upon hearing the air raid siren, residents should immediately seek shelter in sturdy buildings or underground shelters.
• Stay informed through official sources such as TV, radio, or government apps.
• Avoid rumors and follow official instructions only.
• If at home, turn off electrical appliances, gas, and open flames to prevent accidents.
• Stay inside your shelter until authorities declare it safe to leave.
If outdoors without immediate shelter, seek low-lying areas, lie flat, and cover your head for protection.
At 4:15 PM, the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) will alert Civil Defence services about the impact of the air raid in four different locations within the city.
Response by Civil Defence Services
• Police, fire brigade, rescue teams, medical personnel, and municipal authorities will be deployed to the affected areas by 4:20 PM.
• The police will secure incident areas, control crowds, and facilitate transportation of the injured.
• Civil Defence Wardens and volunteers will report damages and missing persons to the fire brigade and rescue services.
• Fire and rescue teams will immediately begin firefighting and search-and-rescue operations.
• State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and District Response Force (DRF) will clear debris to allow for smooth operations.
• Medical teams will perform triage, administer first aid, and evacuate injured individuals.
• Transport services will assist in moving the public to safe shelters.
Blackout Measures
To reduce visibility during air raids, blackout measures will be implemented:
• Streetlights and building lights will be turned off.
• Windows will be covered with opaque materials to block light.
• Vehicle headlights will be dimmed or covered.
• Critical infrastructure, including power stations, will be camouflaged.
At 4:30 PM, the drill will conclude with a final siren to indicate that the exercise is over.
Public Cooperation Requested
The Telangana government urges all residents to cooperate with the authorities and avoid panicking. The mock drill will be conducted in civilian areas, including Secunderabad Cantonment, Golconda Cantonment, Kanchan Bagh, and Nacharam. Fire department officials, in consultation with the police, have identified these locations.
Preparations for the drill will begin at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, with all relevant departments coordinating the exercise. The Director of Civil Defence, Nagi Reddy, is coordinating the exercise in partnership with NDRF and the Disaster Management team.
