Pune: Successful Mock Drill Conducted at Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Headquarters Amid Nationwide Security Alert

Pimpri, May 7, 2025:

Loud explosion-like sounds echoed through the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s administrative headquarters… smoke clouds spread everywhere… phones of all disaster management agencies started ringing… sirens blared across the building. A sense of panic gripped over 2,000 citizens and employees present at the premises. As people began running in fear, assuming a major disaster had occurred, emergency systems were activated. Fire brigade vehicles swiftly arrived, and all individuals inside the building were promptly evacuated. In this simulated scenario, eight men and two women were reported “injured” and were rushed via ambulances to the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital run by the Corporation. The situation, although appearing dire, was brought under control within just 15 minutes—bringing relief to all present.

This entire incident was part of a mock drill** exercise mandated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in light of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and India’s firm response, including heightened security measures across the country.

To ensure preparedness during a war-like or emergency scenario, the mock drill was successfully conducted at 4 PM in the headquarters under the guidance of District Collector Jitendra Dudi, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh, and Acting Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil.

The drill saw active participation from Civil Defence Wardens, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, fire services, as well as volunteers from NSS (National Service Scheme) and NCC (National Cadet Corps), with strong support from municipal officers and staff. Tests were also conducted on the efficiency of control rooms and camouflage protocols for key infrastructure in border areas and metros.

Personnel involved in the operation included:

• 4 fire brigade vehicles and 20 fire personnel
• 4 ambulances with 16 medical staff
• 52 officers from the municipal security department
• 37 police personnel
• 24 traffic police officers
• 1 disaster management officer
• 46 volunteers from NCC and NSS
• 18 “Disaster Mitra” volunteers

Following Union Home Ministry orders, the mock drill began with a siren. Citizens and employees were quickly evacuated to safe zones, and rescue teams took immediate action. The drill was executed in a planned and effective manner.

Given the current war-like tensions, the objective of the drill was to test the readiness of the city’s disaster response system and ensure that maximum aid and guidance can be provided to citizens in minimum time during real emergencies.

This civil defence initiative is designed to prepare both civilian and administrative machinery for emergencies such as wartime, terrorist attacks, and missile strikes. It includes procedures like air raid warnings, blackouts, evacuation planning, and public training.

**Trupti Sandbhor**, Additional Commissioner of PCMC, was present during the drill to oversee operations firsthand. She interacted with officials and staff, emphasizing the need for immediate response during emergencies and appreciated the prompt action and coordination among all departments.

“Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the situation between India and Pakistan remains tense. Against this backdrop, the Union Home Ministry has instructed mock drills across the nation. Disasters strike without warning; hence, such drills are crucial to improve preparedness and efficiency. The municipal corporation remains committed to organizing more such initiatives to ensure citizen safety in the future.”

— Trupti Sandbhor, Additional Commissioner (3), Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation