In a bid to strengthen the state's disaster response and counter-terror preparedness, a large-scale civil defence mock drill was conducted on May 7, 2025, in Bhubaneswar and across 11 other districts of Odisha. The exercise was organized under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with local administration, law enforcement, and emergency services.

This initiative came in the backdrop of rising national security concerns and the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. The government has undertaken this proactive measure to ensure that both authorities and citizens are equipped to handle emergency situations effectively and without panic.

Reason for the Mock Drill

Post-Terror Attack Preparedness

The brutal terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025 highlighted vulnerabilities in civilian zones. In response, the central government issued an advisory urging all states to conduct emergency drills to test their disaster management frameworks and readiness to respond to similar threats.

Urban Risk Factors

As the capital of Odisha and an administrative, educational, and infrastructural hub, Bhubaneswar is considered a sensitive location. The city houses key installations like the state secretariat, AIIMS, Biju Patnaik Airport, and major public venues, which could be high-risk targets during hostile attacks or natural disasters.

Compliance with National Security Strategy

The Ministry of Home Affairs is revamping the national civil defence protocol post the Pahalgam attack, calling for state-level audits, mock drills, and public preparedness programs. Odisha, being a disaster-prone coastal state, was prioritized for this drill to assess integrated response capabilities.

Objectives of the Mock Drill

Evaluate Emergency Response Systems

To test how effectively state and district-level agencies can react in real-time during an emergency scenario, such as a terror attack or natural disaster.

Inter-Agency Coordination

To ensure that various emergency services — including the police, fire department, ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force), medical teams, and civil defence — work together seamlessly under stress.

Public Awareness and Participation

To train civilians, students, volunteers, and staff on emergency evacuation procedures, basic first aid, and how to respond to warning sirens and public advisories.

Identify Gaps and Improve SOPs

To analyze any weaknesses in the standard operating procedures (SOPs), communication systems, evacuation protocols, and response times — allowing for improvements in real disaster situations.

️ Execution and Activities

The mock drill was conducted in select urban zones

Simulated Explosions and Smoke Deployments 

Air Raid Sirens and Blackout Protocols,

Evacuation Drills

Medical Response Simulation

Command-and-Control Communication Test

Key Participants

1. Odisha Police
2. Fire Services and ODRAF
3. District Administration
4. Health Department & EMS Teams
5. NCC Cadets and Home Guards
6. College Students and Civil Defence Volunteers
7. Local Residents and Office Workers

Outcome and Public Message

The drill received positive feedback from both officials and participants. It highlighted several strengths in coordination but also pointed out areas for improvement — particularly in crowd control and faster deployment of rescue units.

Officials emphasized that preparedness saves lives, and such drills not only enhance government response mechanisms but also empower citizens to act responsibly in crisis situations.

"Safety is not a choice — it's a shared responsibility. This drill is a reminder that every citizen is part of the nation’s defence strategy,” said a senior official from the Odisha Disaster Management Authority.

Conclusion

The civil defence mock drill in Bhubaneswar is a significant step toward building a resilient and prepared society in the face of modern threats — whether man-made or natural. As the country reinforces its internal security framework, Odisha’s participation in this national effort reflects its commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring peace, even in times of uncertainty.