KKN Gurugram Desk | As part of India’s readiness for any emergency or national security threat, a large-scale mock drill will be conducted across several cities in Bihar on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. This exercise, prompted by the increasing tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack, aims to prepare local authorities and citizens for potential wartime scenarios, including blackouts and sudden emergency responses. In Patna, Bihar’s capital, the mock drill will cover 80 locations, with sirens blaring, power cuts, and vehicles being temporarily halted to simulate a wartime situation.

The Bihar government has coordinated with various local departments to ensure that the drill runs smoothly, without causing panic among the public. The exercise will also involve major districts like Purnia, Begusarai, and Baroni, and it will simulate emergency preparedness on a city-wide scale. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the mock drill and its purpose, process, and safety instructions for the residents of Bihar.

Why is the Mock Drill Being Conducted?

Following the Pahalgam attack and the increasing security threats on the India-Pakistan border, the Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the Bihar state administration to conduct an emergency preparedness drill. The exercise will help evaluate the preparedness of the local authorities to handle sudden wartime emergencies. The drill aims to simulate a blackout scenario, which would require citizens to adhere to certain protocols, such as refraining from using electrical lights and ensuring minimal visibility during critical periods.

In Patna and other cities in Bihar, the drill will not only test the authorities’ ability to carry out such an operation but also educate the public on how to respond in case of an emergency. By conducting such drills, authorities hope to minimize panic and confusion, while also ensuring that residents are well-informed about how to act in case of real emergencies.

Details of the Mock Drill in Patna

On May 7, 2025, the city of Patna will witness a mock drill involving 80 key locations. The drill will commence in the evening with sirens going off at various points across the city, signaling the start and end of a blackout. The drill aims to simulate a situation where all lights are turned off, and vehicles are temporarily halted to prepare for potential wartime conditions.

Here is a breakdown of the mock drill schedule in Patna:

• 6:58 PM: A siren will be sounded at 80 locations across Patna. Four specific places — Secretariat, Patna University, NIT, and Reserve Bank — will have permanent sirens already installed. In addition, sirens from police and fire brigade vehicles will be activated at various intersections.

• 7:00 PM: Power will be cut off across the city, and vehicles will be halted. Residents are instructed not to use any light sources, such as inverters or mobile lights. Additionally, any artificial lighting that could be visible from outside (such as in shops or homes) should be turned off. People should close their windows with thick curtains to prevent light from escaping.

• 7:10 PM: The blackout will end after a 10-minute duration, and another siren will be sounded for 2 minutes to signal the end of the exercise.

Key Locations and Safety Measures

The mock drill will involve key emergency services such as the civil defense, fire brigade, and police forces, with over 1,000 personnel deployed to ensure smooth operations. This exercise will cover both urban areas and important government buildings, ensuring that these locations are well-prepared for any real emergencies. Emergency vehicles, including ambulances, police cars, and fire brigade vehicles, will continue to operate throughout the drill.

At some critical intersections and government buildings, special teams will manage traffic and ensure that all vehicles remain stationary for the duration of the blackout. This exercise will not only test the readiness of local authorities but will also serve as a practice session to ensure that all systems work efficiently in case of an actual emergency.

What Should Residents Do During the Drill?

The Bihar state administration has asked residents to remain calm and not panic during the drill. As it is a simulation exercise, it is important to remember that no real emergency or threat is taking place. The primary goal of the exercise is to prepare both the public and authorities for potential wartime situations.

Important instructions for residents include:

• Do not use any lights: Avoid using electrical lights, mobile phone lights, or any other light sources during the blackout.

• Close windows with thick curtains: This is to prevent any light from escaping and to simulate wartime conditions.

• Stay indoors: It is advised that people stay inside their homes and do not engage in unnecessary travel during the exercise.

• Observe the sirens: The sirens will be used to mark the beginning and end of the blackout. The public should recognize these signals as part of the exercise.

Mock Drill in Other Cities: Purnia, Begusarai, and Baroni

In addition to Patna, the mock drill will also be conducted in other cities of Bihar, including Purnia, Begusarai, and Baroni. These cities, too, will experience similar blackout exercises, with sirens sounding across key locations, and local emergency services will be on high alert. This will help ensure that the emergency systems are effective in areas beyond the state capital.

The drill will focus on testing the response of these cities to potential security situations. Local authorities in these cities have been instructed to coordinate with the police, fire services, and emergency medical teams to simulate real-life scenarios. Just like Patna, these cities will witness a temporary power shutdown and the halting of public transportation for the duration of the exercise.

Public Awareness and Importance of the Mock Drill

It is essential for residents to understand that the mock drill is an important part of national security preparedness. Such exercises help improve the coordination between various emergency services, including police, fire brigade, and medical teams, ensuring that they are capable of responding quickly and efficiently in case of a real emergency. By participating in such drills, the general public becomes more aware of the emergency protocols and can handle potential crises in a more calm and controlled manner.

Local authorities have emphasized that this drill should not be a cause for concern or panic. The primary aim is to ensure readiness for any national security issue and to test the effectiveness of the city’s emergency response systems. The drill is designed to be non-disruptive and will be completed within a short time frame. Residents are encouraged to follow the instructions provided by the authorities and participate without fear.

In conclusion, the mock drill conducted in Patna, Purnia, Begusarai, and Baroni on May 7, 2025, is a crucial step in ensuring national security preparedness in the face of potential threats. While it may seem unusual for residents, such exercises are vital in testing the capabilities of emergency services and educating the public on how to respond in emergency situations. The drill will involve coordination between various departments and thousands of personnel, ensuring that the cities are prepared to tackle any security challenge.