Chandigarh, May 28–To boost emergency preparedness amid evolving national security concerns, the Haryana Government will carry out a state-level civil defence exercise, Operation Shield, across all 22 districts on Thursday from 5pm to 9pm.
The exercise, initiated weeks after Operation Sindoor, is being held under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs and is designed to simulate critical scenarios such as air raids, drone attacks, and wartime threats. Officials said the aim is to test and improve the state’s emergency response systems, coordination among civil and defence agencies, and community involvement.
“Operation Shield will help us assess gaps in our emergency response and reinforce coordination between the civil administration, defence forces, and local communities,” said Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), while addressing the media in Chandigarh on Wednesday. “This is about building swift, effective, and resilient responses for any eventuality.”
The comprehensive drill will see the mobilisation of civil defence wardens, registered volunteers, and youth bodies such as the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and the Bharat Scouts and Guides.
Key elements include simulated aerial threats, the sounding of air raid sirens, and the testing of emergency communication links between district control rooms and the Indian Air Force. A brief, controlled blackout near vital installations—lasting 15 minutes from 8pm—will also be conducted, with critical services such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations remaining operational.
The exercise is aligned with Haryana’s Incident Response System (IRS), which was officially notified under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, on January 28, 2025. It provides a formal framework for disaster and emergency operations across the state.
Misra has directed all deputy commissioners—who also head the District Disaster Management Authorities—along with police commissioners and superintendents, to ensure detailed planning and smooth execution of the drill.
