Delhi to test air raid sirens at ITO today; public urged to remain calm

In a routine civil defence preparedness exercise, the Directorate of Civil Defence will test air raid sirens at the Public Works Department (PWD) headquarters in Delhi’s ITO area today. The test is scheduled to commence at 3:00 PM and will last approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

The District Magistrate (Central), G. Sudhakar, has urged the public to remain calm and avoid panic during the test.Residents in the area may hear loud sirens, but officials emphasize that it is only a routine drill.

This scheduled testing is part of a broader initiative to ensure the effectiveness of public alert systems in emergency situations. Authorities have requested that adequate publicity be made through social and electronic media to inform the general public and prevent unnecessary confusion or concern.

In parallel, the Delhi Police have heightened security measures throughout the city. Additional police personnel have been deployed at major landmarks and sensitive locations. Bomb disposal squads, along with canine units, are actively conducting security checks in busy marketplaces and public gathering spots. Police officials have also coordinated with market associations and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to strengthen local security measures and ensure that CCTV surveillance systems are functioning effectively.

Furthermore, public announcements are being made in densely populated areas, advising citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately. Authorities are also monitoring social media platforms closely to prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation.

This drill follows the nationwide civil defence mock drill, codenamed Operation Abhyaas, conducted on May 7, 2025, across 244 districts in India. Organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs and coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority, the exercise aimed to bolster civilian readiness against potential hostile threats.

What Residents Should Know:

Date of Siren Test: May 9, 2025
Time: Starts at 3:00 PM
Location: PWD HQ, ITO, Central Delhi
Duration: Approximately 15–20 minutes
Purpose: Routine civil defence preparedness dril

Public Advisory:

Residents are advised to stay calm and not to panic during the scheduled siren test. This is a routine exercise and poses no threat to public safety. For more updates and official announcements, follow verified channels of the Directorate of Information & Publicity, Government of NCT of Delhi.