Why Delhi practised war-like air raid sirens, blackouts & evacuations across 17 locations. Here’s what the drill was about

A comprehensive civil defence exercise was carried out across 17 locations in East Delhi, simulating air raid scenarios, emergency evacuations, and blackout conditions to assess the city’s readiness in the face of potential hostile threats.

The large-scale mock drill, held over two days, aimed to evaluate coordination among multiple agencies, strengthen response systems, and raise public awareness about emergency protocols.

Air Raid Simulation and Blackout Measures Activated

The exercise commenced at 8 pm on Thursday with the activation of a simulated air raid warning system, coordinated with the Indian Air Force. Manual sirens were sounded shortly after, signalling an imminent threat and triggering immediate response measures.


Authorities implemented crash blackout procedures, rapidly shutting down lighting and electrical systems across key locations to minimise visibility during the simulated attack.

Emergency Evacuations and Rescue Operations Tested

As sirens echoed through the area, civilians were seen moving quickly to designated safe zones. A second siren marked the start of rescue operations, with teams rushing into action.

Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Civil Defence units conducted evacuation drills, entering shops and nearby buildings to extract injured individuals. Simulated casualties were transported to ambulances, where emergency medical response protocols were carried out.

Hospital Airstrike Scenario in Malviya Nagar

One of the key simulations took place at a hospital in Malviya Nagar, where a mock airstrike scenario was executed. The drill tested hospital preparedness, casualty handling, and coordination with emergency services under high-pressure conditions.

Medical teams, along with rescue personnel, practised rapid triage and treatment procedures to ensure efficient handling of critical cases.

Multi-Agency Coordination Put to the Test

The drill saw participation from several agencies, including the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Civil Defence, NDRF, home guards, Delhi Police, fire services, and ambulance teams.

Officials closely monitored inter-agency coordination, response times, and communication systems to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Focus on Blackout Readiness and Low-Visibility Operations

A significant component of the exercise involved blackout drills, which tested the ability of authorities to operate effectively in low-visibility conditions.

The rapid shutdown of lighting systems was designed to simulate real-world scenarios where visibility must be reduced to avoid detection during aerial threats.

Public Awareness and Safety Preparedness

Beyond operational readiness, the drill also aimed to educate citizens on safety protocols during emergencies. Residents were guided on how to respond to sirens, seek shelter, and cooperate with rescue teams during crisis situations.

Officials emphasised that public awareness plays a critical role in minimising panic and ensuring smooth evacuation during real emergencies.

Key Locations Covered Across East Delhi

The two-day exercise covered a wide range of locations, including government installations, hospitals, educational institutions, residential complexes, and high-density public areas such as Chandni Chowk.

Strengthening Delhi’s Emergency Response Framework

According to officials, such large-scale drills are essential for enhancing urban resilience and ensuring a coordinated response during crises.

The exercise successfully assessed the effectiveness of air raid warning systems, communication networks, evacuation procedures, and casualty management strategies, key components in handling emergency situations efficiently.

Authorities stated that continued training and simulation exercises will remain crucial in preparing both agencies and citizens for any future contingencies.

Inputs from TOI