Residents across the Union Territory, including remote villages and urban centers, have been mobilized to take part in the drill, which aims to simulate real-world emergency scenarios such as power blackouts, communication failures, and public evacuations
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 7 : The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are set to participate in a nationwide civil defense mock drill on May 7, 2025, as part of a coordinated initiative led by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to enhance emergency preparedness across the country. This large-scale exercise comes in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, underscoring the government’s focus on bolstering crisis response and resilience.
Residents across the Union Territory, including remote villages and urban centers, have been mobilized to take part in the drill, which aims to simulate real-world emergency scenarios such as power blackouts, communication failures, and public evacuations. Local administrative bodies and civil society organizations are working together to ensure broad participation, reinforcing the drill’s dual role as both a practical preparedness exercise and a symbolic show of national unity.
Authorities have called on residents to fully cooperate with the planned activities, urging them to follow safety guidelines and treat the drill with the seriousness it deserves. Citizens have been advised to keep essential items like first-aid kits, battery-operated torches, candles, dry food, water, important documents, and emergency cash readily available at home.
Community leaders, educators, and social activists have welcomed the initiative, emphasizing its role in empowering local populations with the knowledge and confidence needed to handle emergencies effectively. In schools and colleges, students have been briefed on safety protocols and have even practiced mock scenarios to reinforce readiness at the household level.
The South Andaman District Administration, in coordination with civil defense forces and emergency support units, will conduct the drill at 4:00 PM, with brief siren activations marking the start of the exercise. Officials have reassured the public that all activities are pre-planned and will be carried out under controlled conditions by trained personnel. Residents and business owners have been advised to remain calm and continue with their routine activities during the exercise.
Highlighting the importance of civic participation, the Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman emphasized that the drill is designed not only to test institutional readiness but also to foster a culture of community preparedness. The exercise will assess the effectiveness of response protocols and inter-agency coordination, ultimately strengthening the islands’ ability to withstand and recover from potential crises.
For further information or in case of emergencies, the public is encouraged to contact local helplines at 112, 1070, or 1077. The administration’s proactive approach reflects a broader national commitment to ensuring public safety, resilience, and unity in the face of evolving security challenges.
