May 28, 2025

The Haryana government is set to conduct a civil defence exercise named Operation Shield on May 29, 2025, across all 22 districts of the state. This exercise, conducted under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to test the state's emergency preparedness in the face of potential threats like air raids and drone attacks. The drill, scheduled between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., will simulate critical incidents and wartime scenarios to evaluate the state's response mechanisms. It will involve various agencies like Civil Defence Wardens, volunteers, and youth organizations such as NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts and Guides. The exercise will focus on enhancing coordination between civil administration, defence forces, and local communities to identify areas that need strengthening. The drill will include responding to aerial threats, activating air raid sirens, testing control room communication hotlines, and observing a controlled blackout near vital installations. The exercise also aligns with the Incident Response System (IRS) notified by Haryana under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Officials have directed deputy commissioners, commissioners, superintendents of police, and other authorities to ensure meticulous execution of the drill and submit detailed reports for compilation and submission to the MHA.

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Tags: Civil defence, Mock drill, Haryana government, Emergency preparedness, National security,