Wed May 28 11:53:43 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Haryana government is conducting a state-wide civil defense exercise called “Operation Shield” on May 29, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The drill, organized under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to simulate wartime scenarios like air raids and drone attacks to test emergency preparedness, coordination between different agencies, and identify areas for improvement. The exercise will involve various participants, including Civil Defence Wardens, volunteers, and youth organizations. A controlled blackout will also be observed near vital installations, with essential services exempted. This exercise aligns with the Incident Response System (IRS) and aims to strengthen the state’s disaster management capabilities.
**News Article:**
**Haryana to Conduct State-Wide Civil Defense Drill “Operation Shield” Amidst Security Concerns**
**Chandigarh – May 28, 2025** – The Haryana government will conduct a comprehensive civil defense exercise, dubbed “Operation Shield,” across all 22 districts of the state on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The drill, orchestrated under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, is designed to assess and enhance the state’s readiness for various emergency scenarios, including air raids, drone attacks, and other potential wartime situations.
“Operation Shield” comes amidst heightened national security concerns and will simulate critical incidents to thoroughly vet existing emergency mechanisms, according to an official statement.
Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Haryana Home Department, emphasized the exercise’s multifaceted goals: “The exercise 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.”
The drill will involve a large-scale mobilization of Civil Defence Wardens, registered volunteers, and youth outfits such as the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and Bharat Scouts and Guides. Participants will practice responding to aerial threats, activating air raid sirens, and utilizing control room communication hotlines connected with the Indian Air Force.
A controlled blackout is scheduled from 8 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. near vital installations, with exceptions for essential emergency services like hospitals, fire stations, and police stations.
The exercise is also aligned with the Incident Response System (IRS), which Haryana officially notified under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. All deputy commissioners, who also chair district disaster management authorities, along with commissioners and superintendents of police, have been directed to ensure meticulous execution of the drill in their jurisdictions. They are required to submit detailed reports to the Commandant General, Home Guards, and Director, Civil Defence, Haryana, for compilation and submission to the MHA.
“Operation Shield” represents a significant step by the Haryana government to bolster its civil defense capabilities and ensure the safety and security of its citizens in the face of evolving threats.
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