Bhubaneswar’s Emergency Mock Drill Simulates Air Strike

The exercise, held under the directives of the Central and State governments, aimed to simulate emergency response protocols during a wartime or crisis scenario, ensuring the city is well-prepared to protect its residents.

The mock drill, meticulously planned and executed, took place in prominent locations such as Shishu Bhawan Square, Bapuji Nagar, and Rajmahal Square. Led by BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil and Khordha District Collector Chanchal Rana, the exercise was designed to test the city’s readiness to respond to an air strike, including evacuation, rescue operations, and medical response.

The drill commenced precisely at 4:00 PM with the sounding of sirens, signalling the start of the simulated crisis. Residents, shopkeepers, and volunteers, who had been informed in advance through public announcements, participated actively. As the sirens blared, people dropped to the ground, covering their ears, or sought shelter in designated safe zones such as basements and underground areas. The scenario mimicked bomb explosions, fires, and mass casualties, creating a realistic environment to test emergency response capabilities.

Fire services demonstrated their efficiency in extinguishing fires and rescuing individuals trapped in collapsed structures, using ladders and ropes to evacuate victims. The National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Scout and Guide cadets played a crucial role, assisting in the evacuation of the injured and transporting them to ambulances for immediate medical attention. Hospitals were on high alert, with doctors and healthcare workers ready to treat the simulated casualties.

The drill also included scenarios of rescuing people trapped in buildings and managing fire outbreaks, ensuring that every aspect of crisis management was addressed. The exercise, which lasted for 30 minutes until 4:30 PM, was closely monitored by senior officials to evaluate the effectiveness of the response mechanisms.

The mock drill saw seamless coordination among multiple agencies, including the fire department, police, medical teams, ambulances, NCC, and Scout and Guide units. BMC had informed local shopkeepers in advance, ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Media personnel were present to amplify public awareness, broadcasting the event to underscore the importance of preparedness.

A 24-hour control room was established at the BMC Command Control Room, where District Collector Chanchal Rana, Additional Police Commissioner Umashankar Dash, Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena, and BMC Additional Commissioner Subhendu Kumar Sahu oversaw operations. Their presence ensured that every phase of the drill was executed with precision, from crowd management to rescue operations.

Following the drill, a review meeting was held at Ekamra Hall in the BMC headquarters, chaired by District Collector Chanchal Rana. The meeting was attended by Additional Commissioner Subhendu Kumar Sahu, Additional District Magistrate Rudranarayan Mohanty, Safalyamandit Pradhan, Bhubaneswar Sub-Collector Dr. Manoranjana Sahu, and other senior officials. Representatives from all participating departments, along with NCC and Scout and Guide cadets, reviewed the drill’s outcomes, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

The exercise highlighted Bhubaneswar’s commitment to public safety and its ability to mobilise resources swiftly in a crisis. Commissioner Patil emphasised the importance of such drills in building a resilient city, while District Collector Rana praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders. The mock drill not only tested the city’s emergency response systems but also raised awareness among residents about the steps to take during a crisis.

As Bhubaneswar continues to grow as a major urban centre, such initiatives underscore the importance of preparedness in ensuring the safety of its citizens. The successful execution of the mock drill on May 7, 2025, marks a significant step toward making the city a model of emergency readiness.