'Operation Abhyas': Large-Scale Emergency Mock Drill In Navi Mumbai On May 13 To Test Disaster Preparedness

 In an effort to assess and enhance emergency preparedness, a large-scale mock drill titled ‘Operation Abhyas’ will be conducted in Sector 12, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM. 

The exercise is being organized under the guidelines of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and coordinated by the Thane District Administration.

The drill will take place at Neelsiddhi Towers (Wings A & B), near NMMT Terminus, Plot No. 95, Sector 12, and aims to simulate a real-life emergency, testing the response capabilities of civic, medical, and rescue teams.

Led by Thane District Collector and Civil Defense Controller Ashok Shingare, the operation will be carried out under the supervision of Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, Additional District Collector Harishchandra Patil, Resident Deputy Collector Dr. Sandeep Mane, Additional Commissioner Sunil Pawar, SDO Urmila Patil, City Engineer and Chief Fire Officer Shirish Ardavad, and Deputy Civil Defense Controller Vijay Jadhav, with coordination by Tehsildar Umesh Patil.

Key Features of the Drill:

• The simulation will begin with the sounding of a siren.

• A scenario involving an airstrike or bomb alert will be enacted.

• Evacuation procedures will be tested, ensuring civilians are guided to safety in a calm and orderly manner.

• A search and rescue operation will be conducted, simulating real-time relief efforts for injured or trapped individuals.

• First aid and emergency response systems will be deployed as part of the exercise.

Authorities have emphasized that this is only a preparedness drill, and no real emergency has occurred. Citizens are advised not to panic, avoid spreading rumors, and refrain from taking selfies during the exercise. The public is urged to follow all instructions issued by officials.

The administration has appealed to all participating departments and citizens to take the mock drill seriously and cooperate fully, as such initiatives play a crucial role in ensuring disaster readiness.