Tarapur To Host Large-Scale Civil Defence Mock Drill On May 7

Palghar, Maharashtra: In a proactive move to bolster emergency preparedness, a large-scale mock drill (color-coded rehearsal) has been organized at Tarapur on May 7 at 4 pm. The drill aims to simulate an aerial attack scenario to assess civilian preparedness and inter-departmental coordination during emergencies. The exercise, organized by the Civil Defence Force, aims to practice coordination among various government departments and is part of a wider initiative covering 16 locations across Maharashtra. The Union Government has categorized these locations into three sensitivity levels, with Mumbai, Uran, and Tarapur identified as the most sensitive zones.

The mock drill at Tarapur will take place in the open grounds near Vijay Colony, adjacent to the residential complex of the Tarapur Atomic Power Station in the Salwad (Boisar) Gram Panchayat area. 

As part of the state-wide exercise, other sensitive locations include Thane, Pune, Nashik, Roha-Nagothane, Manmad, Sinnar, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Thal-Vaishet. Additional locations such as Aurangabad, Bhusawal, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg will also witness similar mock drills.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has emphasized that the objective of these drills is to evaluate the effectiveness and coordination of civil defense mechanisms in real-time situations. Various government departments including Civil Defence wardens and volunteers, Home Guards, National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS) cadets, and college students. Furthermore, personnel from Revenue, Police, Health (Civil Surgeon), Disaster Management, Fire Brigade, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other government departments will also participate in the drill.

Separate Mock Drill on May 14

A separate, specialized mock drill focusing on the safety protocols of the Tarapur Atomic Power Station is also planned for May 14. This drill, jointly organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the District Disaster Management Authority, will focus on emergency response procedures in case of a nuclear incident and the coordination between various agencies.

Objectives of the Mock Drill:

Evaluate the effectiveness of aerial attack warning systems.

Activate hotline and radio communication links with the Indian Air Force.

Test the functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms.

Train citizens, students, etc., on Civil Defence measures for protection during enemy attacks.

Implement crash blackout procedures.

Arrange for the rapid camouflage of important plants and installations.

Verify the readiness and response of Civil Defence services, including warden services, firefighting, rescue operations, and depot management.

Evaluate the implementation of crash blackout measures.

Assess the preparedness and implementation of evacuation plans.