Maharashtra Government Cancels Senior Officials’ Leaves, Enhances Blackout Preparedness Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Mumbai, 9th May 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today chaired a crucial high-level review meeting on “Security Measures and Preparedness” at Varsha Bungalow, Mumbai, amidst the growing tensions between India and Pakistan.

The meeting, aimed at ensuring the state’s readiness for any potential crisis, brought together senior officials from various government departments including the Chief Secretary (CS), Director General of Police (DGP), Health, Home, Police, and Administration.

The state government, currently on alert due to the volatile situation with Pakistan, emphasized the importance of immediate preparedness, as well as the implementation of comprehensive security measures across the state.

During the meeting, CM Fadnavis conducted a thorough review of various aspects of security, including mock drills, blackout preparedness, and emergency response strategies.

Key Directives Issued for State Preparedness
The Chief Minister issued a series of key directives to ensure the safety of citizens, safeguard public property, and ensure administrative readiness in case of an emergency:

Mock Drills and War Rooms: A mandate was given to conduct mock drills in every district of the state. Additionally, a dedicated ‘War Room’ will be set up to coordinate these efforts effectively.

Blackout Preparedness: The state will coordinate with hospitals and other essential services to ensure continuity during blackouts. Special instructions were issued for the use of dark curtains or tinted glass in critical infrastructure to block external light and maintain operational secrecy.

Public Awareness and Information: A series of awareness videos on blackouts and safety measures will be created and disseminated to students and citizens across the state. These videos aim to equip the public with crucial information on how to handle potential blackouts.

Union War Book and Training: All government officials have been instructed to familiarize themselves with the Central Government’s ‘Union War Book’. This will ensure that the state’s administrative machinery is aligned with the broader national security framework.

Cyber Monitoring and Action: The police’s cyber cells will intensify their monitoring of social media. Any handles found aiding Pakistan or spreading disinformation will be swiftly acted upon, ensuring that online spaces remain secure from hostile activities.

Emergency Fund Allocation: To expedite emergency purchases, immediate funds will be provided to district collectors. Proposals requiring urgent attention will be cleared within one hour to ensure quick response times during crises.

Involvement of Municipal Bodies and Housing Societies: Meetings will be organized with municipal bodies in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and housing societies to raise awareness on blackout preparedness and ensure that these areas are fully informed of the measures to be taken.

Enhanced Vigilance by Security Agencies: The police force has been directed to remain on heightened alert. Increased patrolling and combing operations will be conducted to prevent any possible anti-national activities.

No Videography of Defence Operations: Filming or sharing military activities, particularly related to preparedness and defense operations, on social media is now a punishable offense. Immediate action will be taken against offenders who violate this directive.

Coastal Security Arrangements: The state will consider renting fishing trawlers to bolster coastal security, ensuring that Maharashtra’s vast coastline remains adequately protected.

Distribution of Verified Information: A robust communication system will be set up to ensure that the government can provide accurate and timely updates to the citizens, mitigating the spread of misinformation.

Cyber Audit: Cyber departments have been directed to conduct audits of critical infrastructure, such as power generation and distribution systems, to guard against potential cyberattacks.

Coordination with National Agencies: Senior officials from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard will be invited to a coordination meeting via video conferencing to enhance synergy and coordination among all agencies.

Cancellation of Senior Officers’ Leaves: To maintain smooth operations, leaves of senior officers in critical departments, including Health and Disaster Management, have been cancelled.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with other senior officials, participated in the meeting.