Pune, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg Conduct Civil Defence Mock Drills Under ‘Op Abhyas’ Amid Terror Threats
Mumbai, 15th May 2025: In a significant move to bolster civilian preparedness amid rising national security concerns, the Civil Defence Organisation of Maharashtra conducted extensive mock drills under the operation titled ‘Op Abhyas’ across Pune, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts. The drills were held between 7th May and 14th May, following directives from the Government of India and the Maharashtra State Government in light of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
The coordinated operation included simulated air raid scenarios, blackout exercises, and emergency response training. These drills aimed to equip citizens with essential disaster response skills such as first aid, firefighting, fire safety awareness, search and rescue operations, and the identification of various air raid siren signals.
Speaking about the initiative, Lt. Col. Prashant Chatur (Retd), Deputy Controller of the Civil Defence Force for Pune, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, stated, “In times of crisis, civilian readiness is just as crucial as military action. These drills empower citizens to respond effectively during emergencies, be it war-like situations or natural disasters.”
Over 6,000 individuals actively participated in Op Abhyas. This included civil defence volunteers, home guards, police personnel, NCC and NSS cadets, healthcare workers, government officials, and general citizens, reflecting a broad-based effort to create a resilient and responsive civilian force.
The authorities have urged the public to continue this momentum by joining the Civil Defence Force and contributing to national resilience efforts. “We appeal to every citizen to take part in civil defence activities and strengthen the national emergency preparedness framework,” Lt. Col. Chatur added.
The mock drills are part of a larger strategic framework to ensure Maharashtra’s readiness in the face of potential wartime threats or large-scale disasters, reinforcing the role of public participation in national security.
