India Conducts Nationwide Civil Defence Drill 'Operation Abhyaas'

In a large-scale initiative aimed at testing national emergency preparedness, the Indian government has launched a comprehensive civil defence exercise named ‘Operation Abhyaas’. Conducted across major metropolitan and tier-2 cities, the drill focused on real-time response to hypothetical scenarios including natural disasters, terror attacks, and chemical leaks.

Led by the Ministry of Home Affairs in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the operation involved thousands of personnel from the armed forces, local police, medical teams, and fire departments. Schools, hospitals, and transport systems also participated in simulation activities designed to assess readiness and coordination under crisis conditions.

Authorities stated that the objective of Operation Abhyaas was not only to test existing protocols but also to identify vulnerabilities in infrastructure and communication chains. From mock evacuations in high-rise buildings to chemical spill simulations in industrial zones, the drill covered a diverse range of possible threats.

The public was kept informed in advance to avoid panic, and emergency alerts were issued as part of the simulation. Citizens in various cities reported participating in evacuation exercises and first-aid demonstrations, with many praising the government’s proactive approach.

Experts noted that such drills are essential in a rapidly urbanizing country like India, where population density and infrastructure complexity make emergency management increasingly challenging. Operation Abhyaas marks one of the most extensive civil defence simulations in the country's recent history, reflecting a growing emphasis on national resilience and disaster readiness.