Gangtok to conduct Air Raid Mock Drill on May 7; public advised to cooperate fully

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Gangtok has announced that a large-scale Air Raid Warning Mock Drill will be held across Gangtok District, including both urban and rural areas on May 7, 2025. The drill is part of a nationwide exercise ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India and is set to be conducted in 244 Civil Defence districts across the country.

The aim of the mock drill is to check the readiness of emergency services and test how well different departments can coordinate in case of an actual air raid or hostile attack. It will also raise public awareness about what to do in such emergencies. Authorities have said that this is only a mock exercise and there is no real threat or emergency.

In Singtam Town, the mock drill will be conducted from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. It will begin with air raid sirens across the town. The scenario will simulate an air strike on the NHPC Power House at Balutar, following which Fire Services, SDRF and Civil Defence teams will carry out a full mock rescue operation. This includes the safe evacuation of “casualties” to Singtam District Hospital.

Later in the day, Gangtok Town (Urban and Rural areas) will observe the drill from 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM. This part of the exercise will include a complete blackout, where all residents are asked to turn off all lights and remain indoors. The blackout is being implemented to simulate what would happen during an actual air raid.

As part of this blackout, power supply to the entire district will be cut off from the source. Commercial establishments, government offices, and even households are instructed to switch off diesel generators, inverters, solar lights and any other light sources. People are requested not to use candles or mobile phone flashlights that might be visible from outside. All buildings must have curtains drawn tightly to prevent light from escaping.

Hotels and restaurants have also been directed to halt operations during the blackout period. Customers and guests must be informed in advance. No loud noises or outdoor activities will be allowed. Only hospitals will be permitted to use power and lights during the blackout hours.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, in its official communication has stressed that these drills are crucial to test and improve the response system of Civil Defence mechanisms, including the operation of control rooms, radio links with the Indian Air Force and coordination between various emergency units like Home Guards, Fire Services, NCC and local volunteers.

Public participation is a vital part of this exercise. The DDMA Gangtok has requested all residents of the district to extend their full cooperation, stay calm, and strictly follow the instructions given by authorities. This drill is part of a preparedness strategy and not linked to any actual emergency.

"This is only a drill. We request people not to panic. Your cooperation will help us make sure we are well prepared in case of any real emergency," stated a DDMA release.

The DDMA has made it clear that all alerts issued on May 7 will be part of the mock drill only. The district administration is also expected to submit a report of the mock drill to the central authorities to help assess the effectiveness of current emergency plans and suggest improvements.