India, May 6 -- Police forces and authorities across the 244 districts began preparations for the civil defence mock drills ordered by the Union home ministry on May 7 in view of "new and complex threats".

Rehearsals were also conducted in several locations such as the Dal Lake in Srinagar and Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow.

Union home secretary Govind Mohan reviewed preparations for the mock exercise and the strengthening of civil defence mechanisms in the event of a "hostile attack." Chief secretaries and heads of civil defence from across the country participated in the meeting via video conferencing.

The drill is expected to involve the active participation of district controllers, local authorities, civil defence wardens, volunteers, hom...