The Thane District Administration has initiated an extensive ‘Familiarization Exercise Program’ to strengthen disaster preparedness across the region. The campaign, taking place from April 1 to April 15, 2026, is being implemented under the leadership of District Collector and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Chairman, Dr. Shrikrishna Panchal. This proactive step is aimed at enhancing coordination among various agencies and ensuring readiness to handle emergencies effectively. By focusing on systematic training and awareness, the administration seeks to build a robust disaster response framework that can minimise risks and safeguard lives during critical situations.
As part of the initiative, a dedicated team of 25 specialists from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been deployed. The group, comprising one gazetted officer and 22 trained personnel, is responsible for imparting practical knowledge and skills to local authorities as well as community-level volunteers. The training sessions emphasise advanced rescue operations, efficient communication, and coordinated response strategies. Through hands-on exercises and demonstrations, participants are being equipped to manage both natural disasters and human-induced emergencies with greater confidence and efficiency.
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The program also focuses on inclusive participation and wide geographical coverage. It brings together government officials, Police Patils, Civil Defence members, and ‘Aapda Mitra-Sakhi’ volunteers to create a unified response system. Training sessions are being conducted across key urban centres such as Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan-Dombivli, along with rural regions like Shahapur and Murbad. Additionally, emphasis is being placed on the use of modern rescue equipment and improving response time during crises. Residential Deputy Collector Dr. Sandeep Mane described the initiative as a significant step forward, noting that combining expert guidance with local preparedness will help build a more resilient disaster management system in Thane district.