Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a high-level security review meeting in Mumbai on Friday to assess the preparations and coordination of the state as the India-Pakistan tension became the worst this week in about three decades.
The meeting brought top officials of police, municipal administration, disaster management and state administration to strengthen security and increase public confidence.
Reviewing the current danger landscape, the Chief Minister stressed that Maharashtra, especially Mumbai, are alert and well prepared. He said, “Whether it is a police, whether it is a coast guard or a navy, everyone is on alert. Regular practice and SOPS are in place,” he said, underlining the active stance of the government.
The Chief Minister released a comprehensive set of instructions with the aim of increasing readiness at all levels. Districts across the state have been asked to conduct security exercises on full scale, and dedicated war rooms will be set up to ensure spontaneous coordination during the emergency.
Today, he presided over a review meeting regarding ‘security measures and preparations’ at Varsha bungalow in Mumbai.
In view of the current situation between India and Pakistan, the state government is on alert mode. In this high-level meeting, a holistic review of each … https://t.co/x2bgw1rjwf
– Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_fadnavis) May 9, 2025
In the case of blackout – an essential defensive measures to avoid targeting by hostile forces – hospitals should continue operations through alternative power supply. Measures such as blackout curtains and preserved glass will be applied to prevent visibility from outside.
Mr. Fadnavis also emphasized the importance of building public awareness. Educational videos and advice will be distributed to inform citizens including students about the blackout protocols and safety reactions. He instructed the officials to ensure that every municipality, especially in the Mumbai metropolitan area, should work with housing societies to spread this information at the ground level.
Cyber security and information were other subjects discussed in the war meeting. The Chief Minister directed the police cyber cells in each district to intensively monitor social media for supporting hostile interests or spreading wrong information. The Chief Minister said that strict legal action will be taken against those who broadcast fake news or adverse narratives will be assisted.
To protect possible cyber attacks on essential infrastructure such as power grids and water systems, immediate cyber audit has been ordered.
Ensuring that there is no delay in making important decisions, emergency funds have been issued to all district collectors, which has empowered them to shop immediately on the spot.
The Chief Minister directed that any important proposal related to security and preparations should be approved within an hour.
In addition to on-ground vigilance, marine and air monitoring has also come into sharp focus. The state has been designed to hire private fishing traler to strengthen coastal patrols, while the dangers of the drone were discussed in detail, including the deployment of anti-drone systems. Officers were directed to stay ready for rapid medical reaction and civil withdrawal in emergency.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who attended the meeting, echoed the safety of important establishments, including major infrastructure, including oil depots, ports, rail terminals, and Atal Setu and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPT).
Mr. Shinde said that coordination is going on between BMC, police, disaster management agencies and coastal security forces. He also warned the citizens not to share videos or photos of military movements or preparations activities on social media, calling it a serious risk for national security.
The Deputy Chief Minister also urged the people to avoid being victims of wrong information. “The information will be given by the CMO. Don’t panic. Our agencies are strong,” he said. He further assured that the armed forces have shown restraint by targeting only terrorist positions, accusing Pakistan of putting in danger.
Meanwhile, the state government has canceled the holiday for all senior officials in major departments like health and disaster management to ensure uninterrupted readiness. A follow -up meeting will be held soon with the heads of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard to assess the requirements and ensure easy coordination between the armed forces and civil administration.
While there is no immediate threat to Mumbai or Maharashtra, the government has made it clear that maintaining vigilance, transparency and preparations is the top priority. Citizens are urged to be cautious, cooperate with the authorities, and rely on official sources for verified information.
