According to the NDMA, the objective is to evaluate and enhance the emergency response mechanisms of various public and private institutions, including hospitals, schools, transport hubs, and industrial units. This initiative, part of the ongoing National Disaster Risk Reduction Week, aims to create greater public awareness and institutional readiness in the face of natural or man-made disasters.
“Preparedness is the cornerstone of disaster resilience. This mock drill is not just a routine exercise but a nationwide audit of our readiness,” said Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), Member of NDMA, during a press briefing in New Delhi on Monday.
Political Engagement and Administrative Oversight
Chief Ministers of several states have expressed support for the drill, emphasizing inter-departmental coordination. Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that over 50 key locations in the state—including Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur—will participate.
In Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that all schools and government buildings will engage in the exercise, while Delhi Metro services will conduct safety simulations without disrupting public service.
Tech-Enabled Surveillance and Alerts
This year’s drill also marks the first extensive use of technology and AI in monitoring response times and evacuation efficiency. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), in partnership with tech startups, has deployed drone cameras and GPS-based tracking tools to assess evacuation flows in congested urban areas.
In addition, the Aarogya Setu 2.0 app will issue simulated alerts in specific districts to test citizen response and feedback.
“Technology enables a more precise audit of on-ground realities. We can now identify gaps in real-time and tweak protocols instantly,” said Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics and IT.
Health Sector to Be on High Alert
Hospitals across the country, including Saishree Hospital in Pune, have been roped in to simulate pandemic outbreak scenarios. These will involve rapid triage, isolation protocols, and emergency patient transfers.
Dr. Sandeep Patil, Chief Medical Officer at Saishree Hospital, said,
“We will run a full-scale simulation of an infectious outbreak, testing our staff’s agility and our ICU response time. Preparedness today ensures lives saved tomorrow.”
Entertainment and Media to Play a Role
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has urged television networks and OTT platforms to broadcast awareness content throughout the day. Celebrities including Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan are expected to feature in public service messages encouraging citizen participation.
Citizen Advisory
The NDMA has issued a public advisory urging citizens not to panic. The drills will be announced via local loudspeakers, mobile alerts, and municipal notices. However, people are encouraged to participate actively and treat the drill as a real-time learning opportunity.
The nationwide drill is expected to involve over 1 million personnel, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, state police, fire brigades, healthcare workers, and civilian volunteers.
As climate change continues to increase the frequency of extreme events, tomorrow’s mock drill serves as a vital step in ensuring India’s resilience against the growing spectrum of threats.
