Mock Drill in Hyderabad, Civil Defence Operation Abhyaas on May 7, 2025, Hyderabad is gearing up for a crucial civil defence mock drill named “Operation Abhyaas,” scheduled for May 7, 2025. This extensive exercise, aimed at bolstering the city’s preparedness for potential air raids, underscores Telangana’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens. Under the Civil Defence Act of 1968, states and union territories must maintain readiness to manage hostile situations, protect civilians, minimize damage, and boost public morale during crises. This article delves into the details of Operation Abhyaas, its objectives, the roles of various agencies, and actionable steps for the public to ensure safety during such drills.
Understanding the Importance of Civil Defence in Telangana
Civil defence plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and resilience of communities during emergencies. The Civil Defence Act of 1968 mandates that states like Telangana actively prepare to handle crises, including air raids, natural disasters, or other hostile situations. Telangana’s state administration, in collaboration with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), is taking proactive measures to educate and equip the public to reduce the loss of life and property during such events.
Operation Abhyaas, a nation-wide mock drill, will take place on May 7, 2025, at 1600 hours, focusing on Hyderabad, one of the 244 districts identified by the Government of India as vulnerable to air raids. The exercise will simulate an incoming air raid, testing the city’s readiness and coordination among various agencies. Twelve Civil Defence Services will participate, ensuring a comprehensive response to the simulated crisis.
Key Objectives of Operation Abhyaas in Hyderabad
Operation Abhyaas aims to achieve several critical goals to enhance Hyderabad’s civil defence capabilities. These objectives align with the broader mission of the Civil Defence Act and focus on practical preparedness:
- Effective Crisis Management by Civil Authorities: The drill will test the ability of Hyderabad’s civil administration to manage a hostile situation efficiently, ensuring swift decision-making and resource deployment.
- Public Safety and Training: A key focus is to train civilians on safety protocols, empowering them to protect themselves during emergencies.
- Minimizing Casualties and Damage: By simulating an air raid, the drill will identify gaps in infrastructure and response mechanisms to reduce potential loss of life and property.
- Boosting Public Morale: The exercise will foster a sense of unity and resilience among Hyderabad’s residents, preparing them to face crises with confidence.
Schedule and Scope of the Mock Drill in Hyderabad
The mock drill, Operation Abhyaas, is set to commence at 1600 hours on May 7, 2025, and will conclude by 1630 hours. Hyderabad, located within the Operational Readiness Region (ORR), will be the focal point of this exercise in Telangana. The Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) will play a central role in coordinating the drill, alerting all communication channels across the city and activating sirens to signal the start and end of the exercise.
During the 30-minute drill, sirens will sound across Hyderabad at 1600 hours, marking the beginning of the simulated air raid. The ICCC will ensure that all government agencies involved, including the police, fire services, and medical teams, are mobilized promptly. The drill will conclude at 1630 hours, with sirens signaling the end of the exercise. Citizens are urged to cooperate fully with government agencies and refrain from believing or spreading rumors from unverified sources during this period.
Role of the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC)
The ICCC serves as the nerve center for Operation Abhyaas, ensuring seamless coordination among various agencies. At 1600 hours, the ICCC will activate sirens across Hyderabad, alerting residents to the start of the mock drill. Industrial sirens, police microphones, and other public announcement systems will be used to ensure the message reaches every corner of the city. For two minutes, these sirens will sound, signaling the simulated air raid.
At 1615 hours, the ICCC will shift focus to assessing the impact of the simulated air raid across different locations in Hyderabad. Civil Defence Services, including the police, fire brigade, and medical teams, will be dispatched to incident sites by 1620 hours to begin response operations. The ICCC will also coordinate blackout measures, ensuring that lights are turned off to minimize visibility to potential enemy aircraft.
Actions for the Public During Operation Abhyaas
Public participation is crucial for the success of Operation Abhyaas. Residents of Hyderabad are expected to follow these actionable steps to ensure their safety during the mock drill:
Seek Shelter Immediately
Upon hearing the air raid siren at 1600 hours, move away from open areas and find a sturdy building or underground shelter. If no shelter is available, locate a low-lying area, lie flat, and cover your head to stay protected.
Stay Informed Through Official Channels
Rely on verified sources such as television, radio, or government apps for updates during the drill. Avoid spreading or believing rumors from unofficial sources, as misinformation can lead to panic.
Turn Off Utilities
If you are at home, turn off all electrical appliances, gas connections, and open flames such as stoves or fireplaces. This reduces the risk of fire hazards during the simulated air raid.
Remain in Shelter Until Safe
Stay in your shelter until the all-clear siren sounds at 1630 hours, indicating the end of the drill. Do not leave prematurely, as this could disrupt the exercise and compromise safety protocols.
Avoid Unverified Information
Refrain from sharing unverified news or rumors on social media or with others. Stick to official updates to ensure accurate information dissemination.
Blackout Measures to Enhance Safety
Blackout measures are a critical component of Operation Abhyaas, designed to reduce visibility and minimize the risk of detection during an air raid. Hyderabad residents and businesses are required to implement the following blackout protocols:
- Turn Off All Lights: Switch off streetlights, building lights, and illuminated advertisements to prevent detection by enemy aircraft.
- Cover Windows: Use opaque materials to block light from escaping homes and businesses, ensuring minimal visibility from the air.
- Restrict Vehicle Lights: Dim or cover car headlights to reduce visibility from above.
- Camouflage Critical Infrastructure: Conceal important facilities like power stations and communication towers to avoid targeting.
These measures, enforced during the drill, will help Hyderabad simulate real-world conditions and test the effectiveness of blackout protocols in enhancing public safety.
Responsibilities of Civil Defence Services in Hyderabad
Operation Abhyaas involves twelve Civil Defence Services, each with specific roles to ensure a coordinated response to the simulated air raid. These services will be mobilized at 1620 hours to address the aftermath of the mock incident.
Police Services
The police will secure incident areas, cordon off affected zones, and manage crowds to facilitate the movement of other Civil Defence Services. They will also ensure the safe evacuation of the public to designated shelters.
Fire Brigade and Rescue Services
Fire services will focus on firefighting and search-and-rescue operations at incident sites. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other rescue teams will clear rubble and debris, ensuring unobstructed access for other services.
Medical and Health Services
Medical teams will provide triage, first aid, and transportation for simulated casualties. Temporary hospitals will be set up to treat the injured, ensuring a swift response to medical emergencies.
Transport Services
Transport services will evacuate the public from affected areas to pre-identified safe shelters, bunkers, or demilitarized zones, ensuring their safety during the drill.
Revenue, Civil Supplies, and Local Bodies
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and other local bodies will provide immediate relief, including food, water, and supplies, to the public at safe shelters.
Civil Defence Wardens and Volunteers
Civil Defence Wardens and volunteers will play a crucial role in supporting the drill. They will report damages and compile lists of missing persons, assisting fire and rescue services in their operations. Their efforts will ensure that all aspects of the response are well-documented and addressed.
Preparing Hyderabad for Future Emergencies
Operation Abhyaas is not just a one-time exercise but a stepping stone toward building a resilient Hyderabad. By simulating an air raid, the drill will identify gaps in the city’s infrastructure, response mechanisms, and public awareness. The lessons learned will be used to strengthen Hyderabad’s civil defence framework, ensuring better preparedness for real-world emergencies.
The Government of India’s identification of Hyderabad as one of the 244 vulnerable districts highlights the need for such drills. With the city’s rapid urbanization and strategic importance, ensuring the safety of its residents is a top priority. Operation Abhyaas will foster collaboration among government agencies, Civil Defence Services, and the public, creating a robust system to handle future crises.
Why Public Cooperation Matters in Civil Defence Drills
The success of Operation Abhyaas hinges on the active participation of Hyderabad’s residents. Public cooperation ensures that the drill runs smoothly, allowing agencies to test their response strategies effectively. By following the outlined protocols, citizens contribute to the broader goal of enhancing the city’s resilience.
Moreover, these drills build public awareness and confidence, empowering individuals to act decisively during real emergencies. When residents know how to seek shelter, stay informed, and implement blackout measures, they become an integral part of the civil defence framework, reducing the burden on government agencies.
Conclusion: Strengthening Hyderabad’s Resilience Through Operation Abhyaas
Operation Abhyaas, scheduled for May 7, 2025, is a vital initiative to enhance Hyderabad’s civil defence preparedness. By simulating an air raid, the drill will test the city’s ability to respond to crises, protect its citizens, and minimize damage. The involvement of the ICCC, Civil Defence Services, and the public underscores the collaborative nature of this exercise.
Hyderabad residents are encouraged to participate actively, follow safety protocols, and stay informed through official channels. By working together, the city can build a stronger, more resilient community capable of facing any challenge. Operation Abhyaas is a testament to Telangana’s commitment to civil defence, ensuring that Hyderabad remains a safe and secure place for all its residents.
