Pune, May 6, 2025: In response to rising tensions between India and Pakistan following a recent terrorist attack, Pune is set to participate in nationwide civil defence mock drills on May 7, 2025. The initiative, mandated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), aims to bolster emergency preparedness across the nation.
According to a directive issued by the MHA on May 5, states and Union Territories across India are required to conduct these drills to ensure the safety and readiness of citizens in the event of hostile attacks. Pune, along with 244 other districts, will engage in a series of preparedness activities designed to test and enhance emergency response systems.
Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi confirmed that the drills will commence at 4 PM at several key locations, including the Council Hall, where the main activities will be centered. Other sites include the Panchayat Samiti office in Mulshi and the Municipal Council office in Talegaon. A total of 81 locations across Pune will see activities related to the mock drills, which will also include testing of approximately 75 sirens installed throughout the city.
"The mock drill is purely precautionary; there is no reason to panic," Dudi stated, emphasizing that the exercises are meant to prepare the public and local authorities for potential emergencies. The drills will involve not just civil defence personnel, but also the Army, Air Force, Police, Fire Brigade, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) among others. Additionally, college students will be involved to help guide citizens during the exercise, which serves both as a preparedness and awareness initiative.
Mock drills are essentially practice scenarios that simulate how quickly and effectively the administration and the public can respond to emergencies such as air strikes or bomb attacks. The last nationwide civil defence exercise of this nature was conducted in 1971 during the India-Pakistan war, making this a significant event in terms of national security preparedness.
The drills will test various emergency protocols, including the operationalization of air raid warning systems, evacuation methods, and coordination among various agencies. In particular, the focus will be on ensuring that citizens know how to react when they hear sirens. Residents are advised to turn off all lights and electronic devices to avoid drawing attention to their locations during a potential attack.
In addition to the drills, the MHA has also instructed that crash blackout measures be practiced. This involves turning off lights in the area for a certain period to make it difficult for enemy aircraft to identify targets. The drills will also assess the functionality of control rooms, communication links with the Indian Air Force, and the overall readiness of civil defence services.
"Civil defence is primarily an effort to protect the non-combatant commoner in the scenario of a hostile attack," explained an official from the Directorate of Civil Defence of Maharashtra. He added that the principles of emergency operations—prevention, mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery—are at the heart of these initiatives.
While Pune will engage in various preparedness activities, Dudi confirmed that the city will not experience any power blackout during the mock drills, clarifying that such measures will be implemented in other areas like Mumbai. "Blackout rehearsal won’t be there in Pune. It’s going to be in Mumbai; some place has been decided. But it won’t be in Pune," he reiterated.
The mock drills come at a time of heightened security concerns following a tragic incident on April 22, 2025, when terrorists linked to Pakistan killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam. This attack has escalated tensions along the Line of Control, prompting India to increase its military readiness and conduct these drills as a precautionary measure.
The MHA's directive reflects a proactive approach to civil defence, especially given the complex and evolving threats faced by the country. The exercises are not only about testing systems but also about fostering a culture of preparedness among citizens. As such, residents are encouraged to participate actively in the drills and follow instructions from local authorities.
"If a war were to occur, we must be prepared," Dudi emphasized, highlighting the importance of these drills in ensuring public safety. The administration is urging full cooperation from residents to make the drills a success, reinforcing the message that readiness is a shared responsibility.
As Pune gears up for the mock drills, the community is reminded that these exercises are vital for enhancing their ability to respond effectively to any potential threats. The involvement of various agencies and the community at large will play a crucial role in ensuring a successful outcome, paving the way for enhanced civil defence mechanisms across the region.
Overall, the upcoming civil defence mock drills in Pune represent a critical step in ensuring the city’s readiness in the face of potential threats. With the support of local authorities, citizens, and emergency services, Pune is poised to demonstrate its commitment to public safety and preparedness on this significant day.
