India Launches 'Operation Abhyas' Civil Defence Drills

In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor, the Indian government launched 'Operation Abhyas,' the largest nationwide civil defence drill since 1971, spanning 244 districts. Coordinated by the Union Home Ministry, the exercises simulated air raids, bombings, blackouts, evacuations, and emergency medical responses to test preparedness and inter-agency coordination across urban, rural, and industrial areas. Major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune, as well as states like Assam, Gujarat, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu, actively participated. The drills involved police, fire services, NDRF, health departments, NCC, NSS, and over 400,000 volunteers in activities ranging from blackout rehearsals to first aid training. Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized maintenance of essential services and the importance of countering misinformation while urging states to prevent panic. The drills aimed to bolster crisis-readiness, identify infrastructure gaps, and reinforce public awareness, with early feedback highlighting both successes and areas needing improvement.