Pune: PCMC Simulates Airstrike in 27-Minute Mock Drill Under Operation Abhyas
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 7th May 2025: As part of the nationwide mock drills under ‘Operation Abhyas’, a simulated emergency exercise was conducted in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area, following directives from the central government. Multiple agencies, along with departments of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), collaborated to simulate a war-like situation that lasted 27 minutes.
The drill came in the wake of a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 28 tourists were killed. In retaliation, India reportedly launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border. In response, the Union Home Ministry mandated mock drills across 16 districts in Maharashtra, including Pune. During Phase 1, eight districts, including Pune, participated.
In Pune, one of the drills was held at the PCMC Administrative Building. As announced earlier by Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi, the exercise commenced at 4 PM with the sound of bomb blasts and gunfire. The scene, initially resembling a routine day at the PCMC premises, quickly transformed into a simulated crisis. The PCMC security department activated the siren after it was determined to be an airstrike scenario.
Within 5 minutes, emergency response teams from the Pimpri Chinchwad Police, Fire Brigade, and Health Department arrived at the scene. Three fire brigade vehicles, Breathing Apparatus (BA) units, and a Bronto Skylift (ladder-equipped rescue vehicle) were deployed. Victims were reported trapped on the third floor amidst smoke. Firefighters conducted room-to-room checks and initiated rescues using ropes, stretchers, and the skylift. Four individuals were rescued via the skylift, two through rope descent, and another four by stretcher. First aid was administered before transporting them to the hospital.
The safety siren was then sounded again, signaling the conclusion of the drill.
PCMC’s Disaster Management Cell, Security Department, Fire Brigade, and Health Department participated alongside the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police and Union Home Ministry officials.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Trupti Sandbhor told Punekar News, “According to directives of the Pune District Collector, like the other six locations in the district, the mock drill at PCMC Bhavan was successfully conducted with coordination from all departments.”
Deputy Municipal Commissioner Anna Bodade added, “As per orders of the Government of India, the mock drill was completed. Various departments including the Disaster Management Cell, Fire Brigade, Health, and Police coordinated effectively.”
Vijay Dalvi, a regular visitor at the PCMC building, said, “As I was on the third floor, suddenly smoke started coming out and I was stuck. It was hard to breathe. Then I saw firemen reaching me. They rescued me. Life was closing down. We used the stairs. The response was very smooth, fast, and fluid.”
