Mumbai Sustains Civil Defense Drills for Five Days to Bolster Emergency Readiness

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that civil defense mock drills, which commenced on May 7, will continue across the city for five more days. This initiative, part of the nationwide Operation Abhyaas, aims to enhance preparedness for potential wartime emergencies, following directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

On the first day, exercises were conducted at key locations, including a ground in Mumbai. The drills simulate scenarios such as air raids, blackouts, and evacuations, designed to test the coordination of local authorities and educate citizens on safety protocols. Sirens sounded at 4 p.m. across all 24 BMC wards, signaling the start of the exercises, with only 39 of the city’s 272 installed sirens currently operational, according to Maharashtra Home Guard officials.

Approximately 10,000 volunteers, including civil defense personnel, National Cadet Corps cadets, and Home Guard members, are participating. The BMC, in collaboration with Mumbai Police and the Indian Army, is overseeing the drills, which include public awareness sessions on emergency response and first aid. Citizens are urged to remain calm and follow official guidance, with authorities emphasizing the importance of treating the exercises seriously.

The drills, scheduled to run through May 11, are being conducted in 16 locations across 10 Maharashtra districts, including sensitive areas like the Tarapur Atomic Power Plant. Mumbai University has confirmed that all examinations will proceed as planned during this period, per a circular reported by The Hindu.