Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Delhi government has commenced the installation of 100 air raid sirens across the national capital to bolster emergency preparedness.
The initiative aims to provide early warnings to residents in the event of aerial threats. On Friday, the Directorate of Civil Defence conducted the first test of an air raid siren atop the Public Works Department (PWD) headquarters at ITO. The siren, activated at 3:05 PM, was intended to be audible across central Delhi. However, feedback from residents indicated that the sound was faint, prompting officials to review the system’s effectiveness. A senior official from the Civil Defence Directorate stated that each of Delhi’s 11 districts will have approximately 10 air raid sirens installed at strategic locations. These sirens are designed to cover areas up to 8 kilometers and will be centrally controlled by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). They can be activated remotely via GSM commands and have inbuilt power backups to ensure functionality during blackouts.
The Delhi Police have been placed on high alert, with increased patrolling in high-footfall zones such as markets, malls, and tourist areas. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been deployed at key locations, including Indira Gandhi International Airport, major railway stations, and bus terminals. District Magistrates have been instructed to ensure the installation of air raid sirens across the city promptly. In addition to the siren installations, the Delhi government has canceled all leaves for its officers until further notice to ensure full preparedness. Mock drills, including blackout simulations, have been conducted across the city to assess the effectiveness of disaster response protocols. Public awareness campaigns are also planned to educate citizens on appropriate responses during alerts, such as seeking shelter and remaining calm.
These measures are part of a broader national initiative, Operation Abhyaas, a nationwide emergency preparedness exercise conducted on May 7, 2025, across 244 districts in India. The exercise included activities such as air-raid siren tests, blackout simulations, evacuation While the installation of air raid sirens and other emergency measures are precautionary, officials emphasize the importance of public cooperation and awareness to ensure the safety and security of all residents.
Delhi Tests Emergency Sirens Amid Tensions