Mock drill not expected to affect tourists in Goa

The mock drill scheduled on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, is not expected to inconvenience tourists in Goa with areas known for night life not listed for the drill.

The government directive states that Panjim and Mormugao, where the naval airport and port are situated, will be the centres where mock drills will begin from 4 pm onwards.

“The mock drill announced is not expected to dent the flow of tourists to Goa or has not seen a demand from to leave early. There is no panic,” stated a representative of a reputed travel agency on condition of anonymity.

With the last Russian charter expected to leave in a few days, there is no panic amongst the visitors with many not ruffled by the tension with neighbouring Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack.

With the last Russian charter expected to leave in a few days, there is no panic amongst the visitors with many not ruffled by the tension with neighbouring Pakistan

However, a Russian holidaying in Goa said, “What happened in Kashmir is very bad and I hear there is tension between India and Pakistan because of that incident. It is very sad. If things get worse, people from my country will think twice before choosing to come to Goa for a holiday.”

For many Russians vacationing in Goa, being here is a break from the war their country is fighting with Ukraine. “This is a peculiar situation for many of us because being in a war-torn area is not the best place to ,” adds the tourist from Russia.

Tourist from Russia This is a peculiar situation for many of us because being in a war-torn area is not the best place to relax

The civil defence mock drill, organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs across the country, will be held in Mormugao, Vasco and , areas where there are defence facilities.

Tourists needing assistance, or anyone seeking clarity are advised to call 0832-2794100/2794223 instead of falling prey to what Goa Police has termed as ‘fake advisories’ appearing on social media.

Tourists needing assistance, or anyone seeking clarity are advised to call 0832-2794100/2794223 instead of falling prey to what Goa Police has termed as ‘fake advisories’ appearing on social media.

“We will be sensitising our guests on what they are expected to do from the time when the mock drill is supposed to start,” sated Roland who is part of the PR team of a in the capital city.

“The drill entails that we should be alert to any messages on the radio or TV and sirens and do as requested. This is my understanding and I shall convey the same to my guests,” related Roland.

He added, “We have not received any specific information that needs to be shared with our tourists. We presume, they should be doing what we all will be. Most of our tourists are from different states of India as most foreigners avoid coming during this time of the year.”

The mock drill announced has not taken Ishika and her friends strolling in by surprise. “We are following India’s response to the attack in Pahalgam and are up to date with our country’s response. At the most we may have to live without lights for a night,” says Ishika, who is enthusiastic about the drill.

Ishika, touristWe are following India’s response to the attack in Pahalgam and are up to date with our country’s response. At the most we may have to live without lights for a night

“This is our small contribution to help our country’s fight against terrorism. Yesterday, it was those tourists in Pahalgam who were the victims. It could be me tomorrow and that is why it is a small sacrifice,” Ishika asserts.

Tourism in Goa is not expected to be hit by the mock drill with most tourist areas out of the , but, it is the collective response of all in Goa that is expected to swell solidarity against terrorism.