11 May,2025 02:08 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
A siren will be sounded at 4 PM to alert citizens during the drill. Representational Pic
Following the Union Ministry of Home Affairs' directives, a mock drill named "Operation Abhyas" is being conducted to evaluate emergency preparedness. The drill is scheduled for May 11, 2025, at 4 PM at Lodha Amara, Kolshet Ground, Thane.
This mock drill is being conducted under the guidance of District Collector and Civil Defence Controller Ashok Shingare, Additional District Collector Harishchandra Patil, Resident Deputy Collector Dr. Sandeep Mane, and Sub-Divisional Officer Urmila Patil, along with Civil Defence Deputy Controller Vijay Jadhav. The initiative is being taken by Tehsildar Umesh Patil.
Sequence of events during the mock drill:
- A siren will be sounded.
- Information regarding an air strike/bomb attack will be announced.
- Instructions will be given to citizens to reach safe locations.
- Citizens will be escorted to safety without causing panic or confusion.
A search and rescue operation will be conducted in the pertinent area to promptly assist injured or trapped individuals and provide them with essential first aid.
All departments and agencies have been instructed to treat this mock drill with utmost seriousness. The drill must be executed successfully by adhering to all the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. A siren will be sounded at 4 PM to alert citizens during the drill.
During this period, citizens are requested to remain calm, refrain from believing in rumours, avoid taking selfies, and strictly follow the instructions provided by the authorities.
Officials have clarified that this is solely a preparedness exercise and no actual disaster has transpired. This appeal has been made jointly by Sub-Divisional Officer Urmila Patil and Tehsildar Umesh Patil.
Civil defence officials said the drill provided an opportunity to simulate and understand the exact coordination required during such emergencies.
Exercises like these are crucial, particularly in sensitive urban areas like Mumbai and Thane, as they not only help train defence and emergency personnel but also raise public awareness about the dos and don'ts during crises.
Helplines:
Maharashtra Disaster Management Control Room
1070 / 112 / 9321587143
BMC: 1916
For those at home
If you hear sirens, stay inside your house and be calm.
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.
