Nationwide Civil Defence Drills Begin Amid Rising Tensions
Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, India is initiating civil defence preparedness measures across the country, starting May 7. This includes mock drills, air raid sirens, and blackout simulations to train citizens for emergency responses.
- The move comes as military action looms due to Pakistan’s continued provocations.
- Such full-scale drills were last seen during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, marking the seriousness of the current situation.
Pune at the Heart of Mock Drill Operations
Given Pune’s strategic and military significance, it is a priority city for these nationwide drills.
- Key installations in and around Pune, Khadki, and Dehu Road cantonments have led to heightened preparedness.
- The Civil Defence Department has selected 75 primary locations, with 81 total drill points including IT hubs, educational institutions, and military-linked sites.
Purpose of the Mock Drills
The drills aim to familiarize civilians with wartime emergency responses.
- This includes actions during airstrikes, blackouts, and emergency evacuations.
- Sunday night’s blackout test in Firozpur, Punjab, served as a trial run, simulating conditions to confuse enemy aircraft.
Major Drill Points Across Pune
The sirens will be tested in key public and institutional areas throughout the city to assess emergency response mechanisms.
- Prominent locations include:
- Educational Sites: Fergusson College, SP College, SNDT College, Symbiosis College
- Transport Hubs: Pune Railway Station, Shivajinagar Station, PMT Workshop, Railway Police HQ
- Military & Industrial Zones: Lohegaon Air Base, NDA, Ammunition Factory (Khadki), Bharat Forge, Sudarshan Chemicals
- Healthcare & Welfare: Ghorpadi Dispensary, MNP Clinics, Apang Kalyan Kari Sanstha
- Civic Infrastructure: Parvati Water Works, Central Jail (Yerwada), Council Hall Compound
What Should You Do During These Drills?
Citizens are urged to remain calm and cooperative during the simulations and follow official instructions carefully.
- Listen for siren alerts, which may indicate a simulated airstrike or blackout.
- Follow evacuation routes, stay away from windows, and turn off lights during blackout drills.
- Keep a basic emergency kit ready, including water, torch, radio, and essential medicines.
- Stay informed via local authorities and government advisories.
Why These Drills Matter
This initiative is not just symbolic—it prepares the public for real-world threats amid volatile geopolitical developments.
- The widespread scope across cities like Pune reflects the urgency and scale of India’s readiness measures.
- Participation in these drills could save lives in case of an actual conflict or attack.
From Schools to Stations—Here’s Where Sirens Will Blast in Pune on May 7
1. Nagar Road
- Aga Khan Palace
- Industrial Oxygen
2. Hadapsar & Ramtekdi
- Indian Cable
- Vaibhav Talkies
- SRPF Group, Ramtekdi
3. Kothrud & Karve Road
- Pune Blind Girls’ School
- Chhatrapati Sambhaji MNP School No. 70
- SNDT College
- Kisan
- Erandwane Fire Station
- Kirloskar Bank of Maharashtra
4. Shivajinagar & Chatushrungi
- Agriculture College
- Engineering College
- Govt. Polytechnic
- MNP Import Tax Building
- Chatushrungi Police Station
5. Aundh & Pashan
- NCL, Pashan
- Pashan Lake
- Police Motor Workshop
- Shri Shivaji Vidyamandir
6. Bhawani Peth & Nearby
- Central Fire Brigade
- MNP School (Savitribai High School)
7. Yerwada & Ghorpadi
- Parnakuti
- Yerwada Sub Control Center
- Central Jail
- Railway Library
- Ghorpadi Dispensary
8. Khadki & Dighi
- Ammunition Factory
- Railway Police HQ
- Jaihind Cinema
- Cantonment Board
- OCS Dighi (VSNL)
- Khadki Bazaar School
9. Market Yard & Bibwewadi
- Agricultural Market Committee
- Maharashtra Industrial Development Corp.
- Yashwantrao Chavan School
10. Tilak Road & Deccan
- Poonam Restaurant
- SP College
- Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya
