Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa was among the 244 locations across India to participate in Operation Abhyaas a nationwide civil defence preparedness initiative led by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in response to heightened security concerns following recent terror attacks in Kashmir.
Both North and South Goa districts actively took part in the comprehensive mock drills aimed at testing emergency response mechanisms, inter-agency coordination, and public preparedness in the event of civil emergencies or terror strikes.
In North Goa, the drills were conducted at the Indian National Watersports Centre in Miramar, the Panaji Ferry Wharf, and Goa Glass Fibre Ltd. in Colvale.
A simulated collapse of the Mandovi Bridge at the Ferry Wharf tested the readiness of various departments in executing search and rescue operations, evacuation protocols, and mass casualty management.
The operations were supervised by the District Collector of North Goa, Smt. Yashashwini B, IAS, in coordination with the police, fire and emergency services, health services, NCC, NSS, the District Disaster Management Authority, and Civil Defence volunteers.
Meanwhile, in South Goa, mock drills were staged at Margao Railway Station, Dabolim Airport, and the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) terminal in Vasco.
At the Margao Railway Station, an air strike scenario was simulated, involving multiple casualties and a fire outbreak.
The rescue efforts included coordinated participation from civil defence teams, fire and health services, NCC cadets, and the police.
The exercise was led by Deputy Collector of Salcete, Ganesh Barve, and Dy.SP Siddhant Shirodkar.
A similar air strike simulation at the IOCL terminal in Vasco depicted significant damage and casualties, with four critically injured workers taken to Chicalim Sub-District Hospital and twenty others rescued.
The drill was coordinated by Mormugao Mamlatdar Pravinjay Pandit, supported by teams from police, fire services, medical services, PWD, traffic department, and volunteer organizations.
At Dabolim Airport, the mock drill simulated a strike scenario where twenty civilians, portrayed as trapped, were successfully rescued.
Operation Abhyaas demonstrated the proactive stance of the Goa state administration and its readiness to tackle emergency situations with a high level of coordination among departments and agencies.
