Introduction
In 2025, India disaster preparedness has taken a strategic leap. Building on drills like Operation Abhyaas and Exercise AIKYA, the government is strengthening the civil defense ecosystem for both natural and man-made emergencies.
Whether it’s flood management or a satellite blackout simulation, India’s new approach emphasizes preventive readiness, coordination, and public involvement—turning ordinary citizens into first responders.
India Disaster Preparedness: A National Mandate
India faces risks from natural disasters, cyberattacks, terrorism, and biological hazards. In response, the government declared 2025 a “Simulation Year,” with a goal to implement full-scale mock drills across all 766 districts.
These exercises are not symbolic—they’re structured and data-driven, involving:
- Real-time evacuation drills
- Power blackout and infrastructure failure simulations
- Pandemic and biohazard control rehearsals
- Public awareness campaigns
“It’s not about panic; it’s about preparedness,” says NDMA Chief R.K. Mishra.
Operation Abhyaas: Civil Defence Drill Across 244 Districts
On May 7, 2025, Operation Abhyaas launched across 244 districts. The drill included:
- Emergency sirens and blackout scenarios
- Traffic and crowd control training
- Evacuation of public buildings
- Medical triage simulations
This initiative was a direct response to rising internal threats, including the Pahalgam terror attack that shook national security just weeks earlier.
Exercise AIKYA: Tackling Natural Disasters
Held in Chennai in September 2024, Exercise AIKYA simulated:
- Flood rescue operations
- Earthquake alerts and drills
- Cyclone warnings and community coordination
- Real-time drone deployment and communication testing
The event involved the NDMA, Southern Command, and local municipal bodies.
Antariksha Abhyas: Cyber and Space Threat Readiness
In November 2024, India conducted Antariksha Abhyas, a cyber and space defence drill:
- Targeted satellite spoofing and jamming
- Simulated space debris collision response
- Cyberattack containment for power grids
This drill was led by the Defence Space Agency (DSA) and is a critical part of the India disaster preparedness 2025 strategy.
Biohazard Preparedness: Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas
Held in September 2024 by the ICMR and NCDC, Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas prepared for:
- Zoonotic virus outbreaks
- Medical stockpile logistics
- Emergency quarantine procedures
- Inter-state transport coordination
How Technology Powers Disaster Preparedness
India is integrating modern tools into its disaster readiness model:
- AI for predictive modeling
- IoT sensors for flood and seismic alerts
- Drones for aerial surveys
- Cyber drills simulating ransomware and grid shutdowns
A major milestone is the upcoming National Emergency App, launching in 2026, with real-time alerts and offline survival checklists for citizens.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for India?
By the end of 2025:
- Every Indian district will have conducted at least 2 full-scale drills
- Inter-agency SOPs will be standardized
- Schools and colleges will integrate disaster education modules
The goal is to create a prepared population, not just a responsive government.
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