Pune is set to join the nationwide civil defence mock drill on May 7, 2025, with exercises scheduled at 81 locations across the city and district. The initiative, directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to assess emergency preparedness in the wake of rising security threats and recent tensions along the border.
The mock drill will take place at a mix of strategic, public, and government sites, including:
Council Hall, Pune Camp (main centre)
Talegaon Nagar Parishad Office
Mulshi Panchayat Samiti Office
Pune Railway Station
Laxmi Road, FC Road
Major educational institutions like Fergusson College
Key military and defence installations: Southern Command, Bombay Sappers, Lohegaon Air Base, NDA
Industrial hubs and IT company campuses
A total of 81 sites have been finalized, covering both urban and rural Pune, as well as Pimpri-Chinchwad, due to their strategic importance and proximity to sensitive military zones.
The drill will begin at 4 PM with air raid sirens at designated locations.
Activities include testing sirens, evacuation rehearsals, and coordination between civil defence, police, fire brigade, NDRF, health, and municipal bodies.
No blackout will occur in Pune. The District Collector, Jitendra Dudi, confirmed this, emphasizing that the drill is purely precautionary and there is no reason for panic.
Students, volunteers, NCC, and NSS cadets will also participate to ensure community-wide awareness and preparedness.
District Collector Jitendra Dudi addressed the media, assuring that Pune is well-prepared for the exercise. He highlighted that the mock drill is part of a larger national effort to enhance civil defence readiness, especially in cities considered potential targets in wartime scenarios.
“The mock drill is being taken as a precautionary measure; nobody needs to panic. There will be no blackout in Pune,” said Collector Dudi"
Do not panic when you hear sirens or see emergency personnel in action.
Follow instructions from local authorities and participate in evacuation drills if asked.
Stay informed about safety protocols and be ready to assist others if needed.
This exercise is part of a nationwide initiative involving 244 districts, including 16 key locations in Maharashtra. It aims to test and improve the city’s ability to respond to hostile attacks, ensuring that both authorities and citizens are prepared for emergencies.
Pune’s participation underscores the city’s strategic significance and commitment to public safety. The administration urges full cooperation from residents to make the drill a success.
