Daijiworld Media Network- Panjim

Panjim, May 7: In the backdrop of heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Goa will witness a multi-agency mock drill simulating a bridge collapse and other emergency scenarios on Wednesday. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading rumours during the planned civil defence exercise, Operation Abhyaas.

Both North and South Goa districts have been identified among the 244 districts across India participating in this massive preparedness initiative aimed at boosting wartime and disaster response readiness.

The North Goa Collector’s Office has confirmed that the drill will commence at 4 pm and will involve siren alerts, emergency signals, and traffic diversions in select locations. The exercise will be staged at:

• Indian National Watersports Centre, Miramar

• Panjim Ferry Wharf

• Goa Glass Fibre Ltd, Colvale, Bardez taluka

“Members of the public are requested not to panic. All visible emergency activity will be part of a planned mock drill. Temporary traffic diversions will be enforced, and public cooperation is crucial,” the statement read.

The drill will be closely supervised by the North Goa Collector and will see the participation of:

• Goa Police

• Fire and Emergency Services

• Directorate of Health Services

• National Cadet Corps (NCC)

• National Social Service (NSS)

• District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)

• Civil defence volunteers

• Other allied response units

The South Goa district will hold its drill simultaneously at three high-footfall locations:

• Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Vasco

• Dabolim Airport

• Margao Railway Station

Officials said that civilians will also be sensitised and trained as part of the drill to enhance public response capabilities during real emergencies.

“This exercise will test evacuation protocols, mass casualty management, search and rescue operations, and inter-agency coordination,” said a senior disaster management official.

As part of the simulation, sirens and emergency alarms will be activated, but authorities reiterated that the public should not panic or assume the drill to be a real emergency.

The government has issued a strict advisory against circulating unverified information or rumours, especially on social media platforms.