Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Orders Statewide Security Overhaul Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

Mumbai, 9th May 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed a comprehensive security review and immediate action across the state as tensions escalate between India and Pakistan. Chairing a high-level security meeting in Mumbai, Fadnavis instructed all police, administrative, and coastal agencies to remain on high alert, emphasizing that “Police, Navy and Coast Guard are on alert mode. Regular exercises are being undertaken, and whatever steps are needed as per the ‘war book’ are being implemented”.

Fadnavis mandated mock drills in every district, the establishment of district-level war rooms, and enhanced coordination with hospitals during blackouts to ensure uninterrupted emergency services. He called for widespread public awareness campaigns on blackout protocols, urging that educational videos reach students and citizens. The chief minister also ordered cyber cells to monitor social media for accounts supporting Pakistan and to take strict action against the spread of misinformation.

To bolster preparedness, Fadnavis announced immediate disbursal of emergency funds to all district collectors for urgent procurement needs and instructed that any critical proposals be cleared within an hour. He directed municipal corporations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to hold meetings and raise blackout awareness, involving cooperative housing societies as well.

Security agencies have been told to intensify combing operations and patrols, particularly in sensitive areas, while reiterating that recording and sharing footage of military activities on social media is a punishable offense. Fadnavis also ordered the hiring of fishing trawlers to strengthen coastal surveillance and called for urgent cyber audits of critical infrastructure to guard against potential cyberattacks.

The chief minister will convene further meetings with the heads of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard to ensure seamless coordination between state and central security agencies. These measures come as Maharashtra remains vigilant following recent drone and missile threats, with Fadnavis assuring that the state is “in full alert mode” to safeguard its citizens.