India, May 7 -- Gurugram district will conduct "Operation Abhyas"-a large-scale mock drill simulating air raid and blackout scenarios-on Wednesday, under the Ministry of home affairs' directives in a bid to bolster emergency preparedness.

The drill will begin at 4pm, marked by a district-wide siren, and include evacuation exercises, response coordination, and a full-night blackout, officials said. Residents have been urged to switch off all lights and remain indoors as part of the simulation.

Deputy commissioner (DC) Ajay Kumar, who is overseeing the exercise, said the goal is to test the alertness and coordination of emergency response systems and citizens. "This exercise is a crucial part of our disaster management preparedness," Kuma...