Sirens, blackouts and more: What to expect from today’s drill

A drill conducted at CSMT yesterday to check for preparedness. Pic/Shadab Khan

In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Mumbai will conduct a large-scale drill titled Abhyas at 4 pm on Wednesday across various locations. The exercise aims to test emergency response, inter-agency coordination, and citizen preparedness in the event of a wartime or terror scenario.

The drill will begin with an air raid siren triggered by the Indian Air Force, followed by a simulated fire incident. Civil Defence sirens will be activated across various zones, and mock rescue operations will be carried out by coordinated teams comprising police, fire brigade, health workers, and other emergency agencies.

As per sources, Civil Defence has identified sensitive areas for the drill, including Tarapur, BARC in Chembur, and parts of South Mumbai such as Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Worli, and CST. Citizens, especially in South Mumbai, will be gathered and briefed on wartime protocols - what to do, how to respond, and what to avoid. "This is part of the Maharashtra Police Civil Defence Unit's preparedness programme. Our personnel are trained to handle such operations," said an officer from the Mumbai police.

Authorities prepare

Railway Protection Force (RPF) also conducted a full-scale drill at CSMT station on Tuesday, involving over 100 personnel from RPF, Government Railway Police (GRP), Maharashtra Security Force (MSF), and Home Guards.

Officials getting ready for a drill on Tuesday at CSMT. Pic/Shadab Khan

The drill included baggage scanning, sniffer dog sweeps, and passenger evacuation simulations. Rail officials confirmed that a fully functional siren system is already in place for use during disasters or accidents.

Meanwhile, the BMC stated it would activate its disaster network upon receiving alerts from the Civil Defence. "These drills help us identify preparedness gaps, whether related to fire, bomb threats, or crowd control in civil structures," said a civic source.

Blackouts to be enforced

A senior Civil Defence official confirmed that blackouts will be enforced in at various locations across the state, with specific guidelines to be issued by Wednesday afternoon. During blackout drills - particularly at night - residents must switch off all lights, including those in vehicles and homes, and refrain from using mobile phones. Movement outside should be avoided until the all-clear siren is sounded.

"These blackout measures are designed to prevent aerial visibility of human settlements by enemy forces," the official said. As per state government directives, all District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) have been instructed to ensure full coordination and availability of Search and Rescue (SAR) equipment such as quick response vehicles, tents, and medical supplies. Pre-drill meetings with police, fire, health, and other agencies have also been mandated.

However, not all departments are directly involved. "Traffic police have no specific role in this operation," confirmed Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare. Authorities expect the public to cooperate and treat the drill as a serious test of the city's readiness in the face of growing security threats.

Objectives of today's drill

>> Assess the effectiveness of the air raid warning system
>> Activate hotline/radio links with the Indian Air Force
>> Test control and shadow control room functions
>> Train civilians and students on civil defence in hostile attacks
>> Implement blackout and camouflage measures
>> Test the readiness of fire, rescue, and depot teams
>> Evaluate evacuation plans and their execution

Helplines
Maharashtra Disaster Management Control Room
1070 / 112 / 9321587143
BMC: 1916

Drill areas
Tarapur, BARC in Chembur, Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Worli, and CSMT

For those at home
If you hear sirens, stay inside your house and be calm

For those at stations or in trains
Trains will operate as usual
An announcement will be made at local stations in case of emergencies, with directions on ‘what to do'
Contact the RPF in case of confusion or for clarity

For those on the road
If you are driving or in a vehicle, stay calm and continue to drive or advise the driver not to stop
Do not panic or hamper ongoing traffic by stopping on the road or at traffic signals

For those at the airport
Services will operate as usual
An announcement will be made at the airport in case of emergencies, with directions on ‘what to do'
Airport officers and staff have been directed to remain on stand-by to guide passengers to the nearest evacuation/safety points within the airport premises in case of emergency

Schools and colleges
All schools and colleges will operate as usual

4 to 8 pm
Time drills will be conducted in Mumbai today