Haryana: Statewide civil defence exercise today

The state government is set to conduct a major statewide civil defence exercise, named “Operation Shield”, between 5 pm to 9 pm on May 29 to enhance the state’s emergency preparedness. Being organised under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the drill will simulate critical incidents, such as air raids, drone attacks and other wartime scenarios.

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Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Misra said the exercise aimed to test existing emergency mechanisms, improve coordination between the civil administration, defence forces and local communities, and identify areas that need to be strengthened, thus ensuring swift and effective response during a crisis.

Additionally, a controlled blackout will be observed from 8 pm to 8.15 pm near vital installations, with the exception of essential emergency services, such as hospitals, fire stations and police stations.

The drill would involve large-scale mobilisation of Civil Defence Wardens, registered volunteers, and youth organisations, including the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and Bharat Scouts and Guides, to assist in simulated emergency scenarios. Key components include drills responding to aerial threats, such as air raids and swarms of drones, activation of air raid sirens, and testing of control room communication hotlines with the Air Force.

The exercise aligned with the Incident Response System, which Haryana notified on January 28, 2025, under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, providing a structured framework for effective emergency response. Deputy Commissioners, along with Commissioners and SPs, have been directed to ensure meticulous planning and execution of the exercise. They have also been instructed to submit detailed Action Taken Reports to the Commandant General, Home Guards, and Director, Civil Defence, Haryana, which will be compiled for state-level review and forwarded to the ministry.