Sat May 31 04:37:09 UTC 2025: **Haryana to Conduct Massive Civil Defence Drill, “Operation Shield,” Today**
Chandigarh – May 31, 2025 – The Haryana government is conducting “Operation Shield,” a major statewide Civil Defence Exercise, today, May 31, across all 22 districts. The drill, orchestrated under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, is designed to bolster the state’s preparedness and response capabilities in the face of potential emergencies.
Scheduled to run from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the exercise will simulate critical incidents, including air raids and drone attacks, reflecting current national security concerns. Officials emphasize that the exercises are designed to simulate realistic scenarios and should not cause undue alarm among citizens.
“This exercise aims to test our existing emergency mechanisms, improve coordination between the civil administration, defence forces, and local communities,” stated Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary of Haryana’s Home Department. “It will also help us identify areas that need strengthening to ensure a swift and effective response during any crisis.”
Approximately 32,000 Civil Defence Volunteers across the state will participate in the exercise. Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to mobilize these volunteers along with members of NSS, NCC, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and Home Guards, briefing them on their roles and responsibilities.
Key components of Operation Shield include drills focused on responding to aerial threats, such as simulated air raids and drone swarms. Air raid sirens will be activated, and communication hotlines established with the Indian Air Force will be tested.
A controlled blackout lasting 15 minutes, from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM, will be observed near vital installations, with the exception of essential emergency services like hospitals, fire stations, and police stations.
Ms. Misra emphasized that the exercise is aligned with the Incident Response System (IRS), officially notified by Haryana on January 28, 2025, under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The IRS provides a structured framework for effective emergency response.
All Deputy Commissioners, in their capacity as Chairpersons of District Disaster Management Authorities, along with Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, are tasked with ensuring meticulous planning and execution of the exercise. Detailed Action Taken Reports will be submitted for state-level review and forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
This exercise, initially planned for May 29th but postponed at the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs, signifies Haryana’s commitment to proactive disaster preparedness and national security.
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