Staff Reporter
Margao
The blaring of sirens marked the commencement of a simulated air strike on Margao Railway Station as part of the Civil Defence Mock Exercise ‘Operation Abhyaas’ on Wednesday evening.
The mock drill was conducted as part of a nationwide defence preparedness exercise and involved the coordinated participation of around nine agencies responding to a staged emergency scenario.
Agencies including the Fire and Emergency Services, Electricity Department, Health Department, Police, home guards,
NCC, and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) took part in the exercise, which was led by Deputy Collector Ganesh Bharve along with officials from the South Goa district administration.
The drill included a response to simulated consequences such as fire outbreaks, people trapped in debris, and the need
for urgent medical attention. Sirens were also sounded in other parts of the taluka as well, including coastal areas.
Margao Railway Station simulated a building collapse with fire, representing a mass casualty
and public transport disruption event.
A temporary medical relief setup was established at ESI Hospital in Margao, enhanced to respond to casualties arising from the railway station scenario. This simulated a rapid healthcare mobilisation during a mass emergency.
One of the key components of the drill was the
implementation of a coordinated blackout from 7.30pm to 7.45pm at Margao railway station and bus stand along with Navelim and Aquem-Baixo.
“There was a simulated air strike attack at Margao railway station which resulted in severe casualties and overall seven to nine agencies had responded to the emergency and rescue operations. Out of this, 40 personnel of the Civil Defence had reported to the scene and representatives of fire and emergency, homeguards, NCC, KRCL and 15 clerical members also reported,” said Bharve.
According to the drill scenario, 40 casualties were reported. Of these, 15 victims were trapped and were safely rescued and moved to nearby rescue centres. Two critically injured individuals were shifted to the South Goa District Hospital for further treatment, while eight with minor injuries were taken to the nearest health centre. A simulated fire hazard was also successfully managed by the fire services.
Medical teams comprising doctors and nurses implemented a triage system to assess the injured, categorise them based on the severity of injuries, and provide appropriate treatment.
Speaking about the role of civil defence in such emergencies, Civil Defence guard Rupesh Pardwardkar said, “The Civil Defence plays a major role in a war-like situation and today we are here for a mock drill with state emergency services to help with evacuation of the people. Saving people’s lives is our main
responsibility.”
