Authorities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have issued public notices regarding scheduled firing practices by the Indian Coast Guard and the Andaman and Nicobar Police at designated firing ranges later this month. The notifications, issued under the provisions of the Manoeuvres, Field Firing and Artillery Practice Act, 1938, are intended to ensure public safety and prevent accidental entry into notified danger zones during the exercises.
According to the notification, the Indian Coast Guard Unit will conduct firing practice at the Brichgunj Baffle Range on December 29, 2025. The exercise is scheduled to take place between 9.30 am and 5 pm. During this period, all concerned have been warned to keep themselves, their vehicles and livestock away from the firing range and its surrounding areas to avoid any risk arising from live firing activity.
In a separate but related notification, the Andaman and Nicobar Police have announced that firing practice for the 75th batch of recruit constables will be conducted at the Police Firing Range at Bird Line, Prothrapur, on December 31, 2025. The day firing exercise is scheduled from 5.30 am to 4 pm. Residents of Bird Line, Prothrapur and nearby areas have been specifically advised to remain clear of the firing range during the notified hours.
Both notifications invoke Sub-Section (2) of Section 10 of the Manoeuvres, Field Firing and Artillery Practice Act, 1938, which empowers authorities to notify the public and restrict access to designated areas during firing and military-style training exercises. The act provides the legal framework for conducting such practices while mandating prior public warning to minimise risk to civilians.
Officials have emphasised that the exercises are routine training activities aimed at maintaining operational readiness and skill development of personnel. For the Coast Guard, firing practices form part of regular preparedness drills, while for the police, the exercise is a key component of training for newly recruited constables, focusing on weapon handling, accuracy and safety protocols.
The Brichgunj Baffle Range and the Police Firing Range at Bird Line are designated facilities intended to contain the risks associated with live firing. However, authorities have reiterated that strict adherence to safety advisories by the general public is essential, particularly in island territories where residential areas, livestock movement and arterial roads may be located close to training zones.
Residents have been advised to plan their movement accordingly on the notified dates and avoid venturing near the firing ranges, either out of curiosity or for routine travel. Vehicle owners and cattle owners in nearby areas have also been urged to ensure that animals are not allowed to stray into restricted zones during the firing hours.
Such public advisories are periodically issued in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to the presence of defence and police training facilities within limited land areas. The administration has maintained that advance notification is a key safety measure to prevent untoward incidents and ensure smooth conduct of training activities without public inconvenience or risk.
While no restrictions on general movement have been announced beyond the immediate vicinity of the firing ranges, the notices serve as a cautionary reminder for residents to remain vigilant and comply with official instructions. The authorities have not indicated any change to the announced schedules, and the exercises are expected to be conducted as planned, subject to weather and operational conditions.
The administration has appealed to the public for cooperation during the notified periods, stating that adherence to safety advisories will help ensure that the training exercises are completed without incident. The notices are part of standard operating procedures followed during firing practices across the islands and are aimed at balancing operational requirements with public safety.
