New Delhi: In a marked escalation of civil defence preparedness, the Delhi government has begun installing 100 air raid sirens across the national capital, amid rising military tensions between India and Pakistan. The initiative, announced on Friday, is designed to serve as an early warning system for residents in the event of aerial threats.
The deployment follows a series of urgent government directives, including the cancellation of all leaves for state officers and stepped-up security across the city.
First Siren Test Conducted at ITO
The Directorate of Civil Defence (DCD) conducted the first successful test of an air raid siren atop the Public Works Department (PWD) headquarters at ITO on Friday at 3:05 PM. Though the siren remained on for more than 10 minutes, some residents reported that the sound was not loud enough.
“We were alerted beforehand, and people were more curious than scared. But the sound was faint; I could barely hear it,” said a local vendor.
Officials acknowledged the issue and said the sound range is being reviewed. Options include increasing the siren’s decibel level or deploying more units in closer proximity to avoid “dark zones.”
Citywide Deployment Underway
Each of Delhi’s 11 districts will have roughly 10 sirens installed, with 50 to be mounted on prominent multi-storey buildings for optimal reach. PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh stated that the sirens will be centrally controlled by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and will ring for five minutes during emergencies – giving residents time to seek shelter.
“The sirens are essential for public safety and will ensure timely alerts. Citizens should know what to do when they hear them,” he added.
The devices are designed to be audible up to 8 kilometers away and are equipped with advanced technology, including GSM-based remote activation and HF radio backup. Each unit has an inbuilt power supply for use during blackouts.
Police on High Alert
Delhi Police has simultaneously been placed on high alert. Officers have increased patrolling in crowded areas such as Connaught Place, Janpath, Sarojini Nagar, and major transit hubs including the airport and railway stations. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) are on standby at key locations.
A senior police official confirmed that district-level officers have been instructed to identify personnel trained in rescue, evacuation, and emergency response. “We are actively coordinating with civil defence volunteers and monitoring high-footfall areas,” he said.
Mock Drills and Public Preparedness
Earlier this week, the Delhi government conducted mock blackout drills in Lutyens’ Delhi, simulating emergency scenarios to test disaster readiness. Public advisories and awareness campaigns are expected to roll out soon to educate residents on how to respond during alerts, including sheltering indoors and avoiding panic.
While no direct threat has been reported in Delhi so far, the increased civil defence activity follows Operation Sindoor – India’s precision strike on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, J&K.
“Prepared, Not Panicked”
Authorities have emphasized that the measures are precautionary. “Delhi is close to the northern theatre. While we have no immediate threat, preparation is the best deterrence,” said a senior official at Delhi Police Headquarters.
The siren installations, combined with heightened police deployment and emergency readiness, mark one of the most comprehensive civil defence mobilizations in the capital in recent memory.
