Haryana – Haryana today concluded a large-scale, comprehensive civil defence exercise, “Operation Shield,” conducted across all 22 of its districts. This extensive mock drill, executed under the direct guidance and direction of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, served as a rigorous test of the state’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities, simulating critical scenarios ranging from air raids and drone attacks to various wartime threats. The successful completion of this exercise underscores Haryana’s heightened focus on national security and its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens in an evolving threat landscape.
“Operation Shield” was meticulously designed to mimic real-world crisis situations, putting to the test the existing emergency mechanisms and aiming to significantly enhance inter-agency coordination. Key components of the drill included the activation of communication hotlines between Air Force and Civil Defence control rooms, the widespread testing of air raid sirens, and the implementation of controlled blackouts near vital installations. For 15 crucial minutes, from 8 PM to 8:15 PM, lights were switched off in designated areas, with essential services such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations exempted to maintain critical operations. This controlled blackout was a crucial aspect of the drill, designed to replicate conditions during an aerial attack and assess public and governmental response to such a scenario.
The scope of “Operation Shield” was vast, involving a multitude of stakeholders from various government departments and civil society. The civil administration, police forces, Home Guards, fire and emergency services, medical teams, and disaster management authorities actively participated, demonstrating a unified front in emergency response. Crucially, civil defence wardens, volunteers from youth organizations like the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), and Bharat Scouts & Guides also played a pivotal role. Their involvement highlights the emphasis on community participation and the belief that a well-informed and trained populace is the first line of defence in any crisis.
Detailed advisories were issued to the public in advance, urging them not to panic during the drills, which took place between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Citizens were educated on “do’s and don’ts” during a simulated air raid or blackout, including instructions to switch off lights, draw curtains, maintain silence, avoid unnecessary movement, and refrain from using mobile phones or lighting candles during the blackout period. Such public awareness campaigns are integral to ensuring that in a real emergency, citizens can react appropriately and support rescue efforts.
The exercise also included simulated scenarios of mass casualties and evacuation drills, where emergency medical teams and blood transport units were activated to practice swift and efficient response. In some areas, mock drone strikes and controlled explosions were simulated at multiple locations, including mini-secretariats, prompting rapid deployment of ambulances, police, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams to carry out evacuation and rescue operations. Injured “victims” were swiftly transported to hospitals, testing the entire chain of emergency medical response from the scene to the healthcare facility.
Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary of Haryana’s Home Department, stated that the exercise aimed not only to test existing emergency mechanisms but also to improve coordination between the civil administration, defence forces, and local communities. She emphasized the objective of identifying areas that need to be strengthened, thus ensuring swift and effective responses to any form of hostile attack or natural calamity. The insights gained from “Operation Shield” will be meticulously analyzed to refine existing protocols, enhance training modules, and procure necessary equipment to further bolster the state’s readiness.
This comprehensive civil defence exercise reaffirms Haryana’s proactive stance on national security. By regularly conducting such drills, the state is not only preparing its administrative and security machinery but also mentally preparing its citizens for emergency situations, fostering resilience and collective response capabilities. “Operation Shield” serves as a robust demonstration of Haryana’s commitment to protecting its people and infrastructure against any threats, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for its residents.
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