On the directives of the Union Home Ministry, a large-scale mock drill was conducted in five major cities in Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Katni. The exercise, held from 4 pm to 8:00 pm, aimed to test preparedness for emergencies such as terrorist attacks, fire outbreaks, and gas leaks, following heightened tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK. Bhopal: Fire Rescue at DB Mall, Temporary Hospital at Nutan College: In Bhopal, the drill commenced at DB Mall, simulating a fire outbreak. Ambulances, fire brigades, and medical teams swiftly evacuated the injured to a temporary hospital at Nutan College.

 

One critically injured patient was shifted to the red zone. A minor lapse occurred when staff forgot to bring oxygen mask kits, which were promptly sourced from JP Hospital. The hospital deployed 110 personnel, including doctors, medical officers, nurses, paramedics, and pharmacists. Additional drills at New Market and BHEL premises involved rescuing victims from a building behind Piplani police station, with the injured treated at Sanjeevani Clinic, Kasturba Hospital, and Hataikheda Hospital. Police Commissioner Harinarayan Chari Mishra emphasised that the exercise aimed to enhance public awareness and strengthen co-ordination among rescue teams. Indore: Awareness drive at 56 Dukan, fire drill at Dental College: In Indore, a morning drill at the 56 Dukan area featured retired military officers, Major General (Dr) Rajesh Chaba, Brigadier Saurabh Jain, and Lieutenant Colonel Ashish Mangrulkar, educating citizens on handling terrorist attacks and emergencies. Demonstrations included blackout procedures, sirens, and rescue operations, with 56 Dukan Traders’ Association president Gunjan Sharma in attendance.

 

A separate fire simulation at the Dental College saw victims being rescued and hospitalised, while a mock operation apprehended four terrorists, showcasing robust security measures. Gwalior: Gas leak and air raid simulations: Gwalior’s drill covered two scenarios. At Birla Nagar ROB near ITI College, a mock ammonia gas leak from a tanker colliding with a school bus was contained within 40 minutes by the Army, BSF, police, home guards, and health teams, with victims transported via a green corridor. In Siraul, a high-rise fire caused by a simulated air raid trapped hundreds. NDRF, police, and fire brigades evacuated them in 30 minutes, with ambulances ensuring timely hospital transfers. Collector Ruchika Chauhan and SSP Dharmveer Singh urged public co-operation, highlighting the drill’s role in fostering disaster readiness. Jabalpur: Bomb blasts at Samdariya Mall, multi-location drills: Jabalpur conducted drills at four locations: Samdariya Mall, Garment Cluster Gohalpur, Sihora, and Old Gorakhpur police station. At Samdariya Mall, two consecutive bomb blasts triggered a fire on the upper floors, spreading smoke. Police, ambulances, municipal teams, and NDRF launched a rapid rescue, advising people to lie on the floor or hide under tables.

 

Masks and cloths were provided to counter smoke inhalation, and victims were carried out on shoulders due to a shortage of stretchers. Emergency staircases facilitated evacuations, with NCC cadets, home guards, and citizens assisting. A city-wide blackout was enforced from 7:30 pm to 7:42 pm, with all lights in Government and private institutions turned off. The collector reassured citizens not to panic, emphasising the drill’s educational value. Katni: Bomb blast simulation at school: In Katni, a mock bomb explosion was simulated at Sadhu Ram School. As sirens blared, security personnel sprang into action, with fire brigades arriving to extinguish the fire and evacuate trapped individuals. Troops climbed to the roof to rescue those stranded, while citizens were guided on safety measures during such crisis. The exercise tested security arrangements and raised public awareness.