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The state of Haryana is gearing up for a comprehensive state-wide mock drill, scheduled for May 31st, designed to enhance its emergency preparedness and response capabilities across all 22 districts. This civil defence exercise, codenamed Operation Shield, is being conducted under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and aims to simulate critical incidents, including air raids, drone attacks, and other wartime scenarios, reflecting current national security concerns. The drill, scheduled to take place between 5 pm and 9 pm, will involve a controlled blackout of 15 minutes 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. This exercise underscores the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding the state and its citizens against potential threats and emergencies. The postponement from the initially scheduled date of May 29th, upon the MHA's instructions, highlights the meticulous planning and coordination involved in such a large-scale operation. The rationale behind this mock drill is multifaceted, encompassing the need to test existing emergency mechanisms, improve coordination between various stakeholders, and identify areas for improvement to ensure a swift and effective response during any crisis. The involvement of a significant number of civil defence volunteers, along with other organizations, demonstrates the state's commitment to fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience within its communities. The specific components of the drill, such as responding to aerial threats, activating air raid sirens, and testing communication hotlines with the Indian Air Force, are crucial in assessing the state's readiness for potential wartime scenarios. The alignment of the exercise with the Incident Response System (IRS), which Haryana officially notified on January 28, 2025, under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, provides a structured framework for effective emergency response, ensuring that the state's actions are coordinated and efficient. The directives issued to deputy commissioners, as chairpersons of District Disaster Management Authorities, along with commissioners and Superintendents of Police, emphasize the importance of meticulous planning and execution at the local level. The requirement for detailed action taken reports underscores the commitment to accountability and continuous improvement in the state's emergency preparedness efforts. Furthermore, the assurance that the drills should not be a cause of alarm for citizens reflects a responsible approach to public communication, ensuring that the exercise is conducted in a transparent and reassuring manner. This proactive approach to emergency preparedness is not only essential for mitigating the potential impact of future crises but also for fostering a sense of security and confidence among the citizens of Haryana.
Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), has emphasized the importance of this mock drill, stating that it aims to test existing emergency mechanisms, improve coordination between the civil administration, defence forces, and local communities, and identify areas that need to be strengthened. This comprehensive approach is crucial for ensuring a swift and effective response during any crisis. The participation of around 32,000 civil defence volunteers across Haryana underscores the state's commitment to engaging its citizens in emergency preparedness efforts. The directives issued to deputy commissioners to call out civil defence volunteers, NSS, NCC, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Home Guards, etc., highlight the collaborative nature of the exercise and the importance of leveraging the resources and expertise of various organizations. The briefing of these volunteers regarding their deployment, duties, and exercises to be undertaken is essential for ensuring that they are well-prepared and can effectively contribute to the overall success of the mock drill. The specific components of the exercise, including 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 established with the Indian Air Force, are designed to simulate realistic wartime scenarios and assess the state's readiness for potential attacks. These components are crucial for identifying any weaknesses in the state's emergency response system and for implementing necessary improvements. The controlled blackout, while potentially disruptive, is an essential part of the exercise, as it allows the state to assess its ability to maintain essential services and infrastructure during a crisis. The exclusion of essential emergency services such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations from the blackout ensures that these critical services remain operational during the exercise. The alignment of the exercise with the Incident Response System (IRS) is another key aspect of its overall effectiveness. The IRS provides a structured framework for emergency response, ensuring that all actions are coordinated and efficient. The fact that Haryana officially notified the IRS on January 28, 2025, under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, demonstrates the state's commitment to adhering to best practices in emergency management.
The role of the deputy commissioners, as chairpersons of District Disaster Management Authorities, is crucial in ensuring the meticulous planning and execution of the exercise in their respective jurisdictions. Their responsibility for ensuring that the exercise is conducted smoothly and efficiently underscores the importance of local leadership in emergency preparedness efforts. The requirement for detailed action taken reports to be submitted to the Commandant General, Home Guards, and Director, Civil Defence, Haryana, is essential for accountability and continuous improvement. These reports will be compiled for state-level review and forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs, providing valuable insights into the state's emergency preparedness capabilities. Dr. Misra's assurance that the drills should not be the cause of alarm for citizens reflects a responsible approach to public communication. By emphasizing the importance of transparency and reassurance, the state aims to avoid unnecessary anxiety and ensure that the public is informed about the purpose and scope of the exercise. The overall objective of the mock drill is to enhance Haryana's emergency preparedness and response capabilities, ensuring that the state is well-equipped to handle a wide range of potential crises. By testing existing emergency mechanisms, improving coordination between various stakeholders, and identifying areas for improvement, the exercise aims to strengthen the state's ability to protect its citizens and infrastructure during times of emergency. The proactive approach to emergency preparedness demonstrated by this mock drill is a testament to Haryana's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. By investing in comprehensive planning, training, and coordination, the state is taking important steps to mitigate the potential impact of future crises and build a more resilient community. The success of this mock drill will depend on the active participation of all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil defence volunteers, and the general public. By working together, Haryana can create a safer and more secure environment for all of its residents. The exercise also highlights the increasing importance of civil defense in the face of evolving threats, including cyberattacks and climate-related disasters, necessitating continuous adaptation and improvement of emergency response strategies.
In addition to the immediate benefits of enhanced preparedness, the Haryana mock drill serves as a valuable training opportunity for all participants. Civil defense volunteers gain practical experience in responding to simulated emergencies, improving their skills and confidence in their ability to assist in real-world situations. Government agencies and emergency services personnel have the opportunity to test their protocols and communication systems, identifying areas where improvements can be made. The exercise also provides a platform for inter-agency collaboration, fostering better understanding and coordination between different organizations. The involvement of educational institutions, such as NSS and NCC units, helps to raise awareness among young people about the importance of civil defense and encourages them to become active participants in emergency preparedness efforts. This investment in future generations is crucial for building a sustainable culture of resilience within the state. The planned blackout, while potentially inconvenient for some, serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of energy security and the need for alternative power sources in times of crisis. The exclusion of essential emergency services from the blackout ensures that these critical facilities can continue to operate uninterrupted, providing essential services to the community. The meticulous planning and execution of the mock drill demonstrate Haryana's commitment to evidence-based decision-making in emergency management. The collection of data and analysis of results from the exercise will provide valuable insights into the state's strengths and weaknesses, informing future planning and resource allocation. The transparency and accountability surrounding the exercise, including the requirement for detailed action taken reports, help to build public trust and confidence in the state's ability to protect its citizens. The communication strategy employed by the state, which emphasizes reassurance and avoids causing unnecessary alarm, is crucial for maintaining public order and cooperation during the exercise. The use of various communication channels, including media outlets and social media, ensures that the public is well-informed about the purpose and scope of the drill. This proactive approach to public communication helps to dispel rumors and misinformation, fostering a sense of calm and preparedness within the community. In conclusion, the Haryana state-wide mock drill on May 31st represents a significant investment in emergency preparedness and response capabilities. By simulating realistic scenarios, testing existing protocols, and engaging a wide range of stakeholders, the exercise aims to strengthen the state's ability to protect its citizens and infrastructure during times of crisis. The meticulous planning, transparent communication, and commitment to continuous improvement demonstrate Haryana's dedication to building a more resilient and secure community.
The scope of the mock drill extends beyond simply responding to simulated emergencies; it also encompasses elements of public education and awareness. By engaging the public in the exercise, Haryana aims to foster a culture of preparedness and resilience within its communities. The communication strategy employed by the state is crucial in ensuring that the public is well-informed about the purpose and scope of the drill, as well as the steps they can take to protect themselves during a real emergency. The use of various communication channels, including media outlets, social media, and community outreach programs, helps to reach a wide audience and disseminate important information. The exercise also provides an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of civil defense and the role they can play in assisting emergency services personnel during a crisis. By encouraging citizens to become active participants in emergency preparedness efforts, Haryana aims to empower them to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their communities. The involvement of educational institutions in the mock drill is another important aspect of its public education component. By engaging students and teachers in the exercise, Haryana aims to raise awareness about emergency preparedness among young people and instill in them a sense of civic responsibility. The participation of organizations such as NSS and NCC units helps to create a network of trained volunteers who can assist in future emergency situations. The mock drill also serves as a valuable training opportunity for emergency services personnel, allowing them to test their skills and protocols in a simulated environment. By identifying areas where improvements can be made, the exercise helps to enhance the effectiveness of emergency response efforts. The collaboration between different agencies and organizations during the mock drill is crucial for building a coordinated and integrated emergency response system. By working together, different agencies can learn from each other and develop a shared understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities. The commitment to transparency and accountability demonstrated by Haryana in conducting the mock drill is essential for building public trust and confidence in the state's ability to protect its citizens. By openly communicating about the purpose and scope of the exercise, as well as the results and lessons learned, Haryana demonstrates its dedication to evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement. The Haryana state-wide mock drill is a complex and multi-faceted undertaking that requires careful planning, coordination, and execution. However, the benefits of the exercise are clear: enhanced emergency preparedness, improved coordination between different agencies, increased public awareness, and a more resilient community. By investing in emergency preparedness, Haryana is demonstrating its commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Source: Haryana to hold state-wide mock drill on May 31, blackout from 8 pm to 8.15 pm