Mumbai, Thane & Pune Among Key Places In Maharashtra Set To Witness Security Mock Drills On May 7 Amid Rising Tensions With Pakistan

Mumbai: In the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has called for a nationwide Civil Defence mock drill on May 7, with Maharashtra emerging as a key focus area. The state will see coordinated preparedness drills across major urban centres including Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.

List Of Other Key Locations In Maharashtra

The drills will also be held at other sensitive locations such as Uran, Bhusawal, Tarapur, Nashik, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Manmad, Sinnar, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nagothane, Thal-Vayshot, Rohn-Dhatao and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad).

The directive has been issued to Chief Secretaries and Union Territory Administrators, asking them to mobilise district authorities, civil defence forces, schools, and local volunteers. The focus is on revitalising emergency response mechanisms across 244 classified districts in the country, several of which fall in Maharashtra.

Why Maharashtra Is In Focus?

Given its dense population, critical infrastructure, and coastal sensitivity, Maharashtra has been identified as a high-priority zone in terms of civil preparedness. Cities like Mumbai and Pune, which house key financial institutions and defence installations, are particularly vulnerable to both internal and external threats. The state’s coastal towns like Uran and Ratnagiri also feature prominently in the mock drill schedule due to their proximity to the western maritime boundary.

What Will The Drill Cover?

Simulating high-risk emergency situations, the mock drill will involve activities such as:

Air Raid Sirens: Alert systems will be tested in major towns to ensure timely public response during aerial threats.

Evacuation Exercises: Movement of civilians from high-risk zones to safer locations will be rehearsed, particularly in dense areas like Mumbai and Thane.

Blackout Protocols: Key cities will practice swift blackouts, cutting off lights and signals to avoid detection during potential air raids.

Camouflage Operations: Strategic assets, such as defence sites and power stations, will undergo rapid camouflage testing to measure response time and effectiveness.

Civilian Awareness Programs: Schools, colleges, and public spaces in cities like Pune, Aurangabad, and Nashik will hold workshops on first aid, survival tactics, and crisis communication.

Participants will include Civil Defence wardens, Home Guard volunteers, NCC, NSS and NYKS members, along with thousands of students and local residents.

Why Are The Drills Held Now?

The MHA cited the need for 'optimum Civil Defence preparedness' amid evolving threats from across India’s borders. With recent incidents highlighting lapses in civilian protection, the government aims to build a proactive defence culture, particularly in vulnerable and high-density states like Maharashtra.