Navi Mumbai To Host Civil Defence Mock Drill On April 9; 300 Personnel To Test Emergency Response Systems

Mumbai, April 9: In a significant step towards strengthening disaster preparedness, Navi Mumbai will host a large-scale civil defence mock drill on April 9. The exercise aims to evaluate emergency response systems, inter-agency coordination, and evacuation efficiency in simulated crisis scenarios.

The drill is part of a broader national initiative to enhance readiness for potential disasters and ensure swift response mechanisms across urban centres.

Multi-Agency Participation

The mock drill will be conducted at Late Ganpatsheth Fakirji Naik Ground in Bonkode village, Sector 11, Koparkhairane, between 2 pm and 5 pm.

Organised by the Civil Defence wing under the Maharashtra Home Department, the exercise will involve participation from multiple agencies, including:

• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
• Police department
• Thane Disaster Response Force (TDRF)
• Home Guards
• Civic officials and volunteers

In total, around 200 to 300 personnel will be actively involved in the simulation.

Simulating Real-Life Emergency Scenarios

Officials stated that the drill will replicate emergency situations such as disaster response, rescue operations, and citizen evacuation procedures.

The primary objective is to:

• Test coordination between different agencies
• Assess response time during emergencies
• Evaluate evacuation strategies and public safety measures
• Identify gaps in disaster management systems

Such exercises are crucial in ensuring that authorities remain prepared for real-life crises, including natural disasters, industrial incidents, or urban emergencies.

Public Advisory: Do Not Panic

Authorities have urged residents in and around Koparkhairane and Bonkode not to panic during the drill, as the activities will involve visible emergency movements and simulations.

Deputy Controller of Civil Defence (Navi Mumbai Group), Vijay B. Jadhav, appealed to citizens to cooperate with officials and understand that the exercise is purely precautionary.

Residents have also been encouraged to observe and participate wherever possible, as public awareness plays a key role in effective disaster response.

Strengthening Urban Safety Framework

With rapid urbanisation and increasing population density in regions like Navi Mumbai, such preparedness drills are becoming essential. They help build a robust safety framework while ensuring that emergency services can respond efficiently under pressure.

The April 9 mock drill is expected to provide valuable insights into the city’s disaster management capabilities and further strengthen coordination among agencies responsible for public safety.