As part of a nationwide civil defence preparedness initiative, Haryana on Wednesday conducted a large-scale mock drill under ‘Operation Abhyaas,’ simulating multiple emergency scenarios such as air raids, fire outbreaks, and search-and-rescue operations.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs had directed all states to carry out the exercise, citing “new and complex threats” following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. In response, Haryana extended the drill beyond the mandated 11 districts, executing the operation across all districts from 4 pm onwards, beginning with the sounding of air raid sirens.
In Faridabad, police commissioner Satender Kumar Gupta said civic agencies, police and other teams were involved in the mock drill, and they demonstrated how to operate in various kinds of emergency scenarios.
"With minimum equipment, how can one rescue? If there is a fire incident, how to rescue?...all these things were demonstrated," he said, while at the same time appealing to people not to panic or lend an ear to any kind of rumours.
Mock drills were also carried out in Gurugram, Panchkula, Ambala and Rohtak at busy shopping malls, marketplaces and other establishments.
Across the state, the exercise also commenced at key government installations, public sector units and other critical sites.
In preparation, Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi chaired a high-level review meeting, issuing detailed instructions to deputy commissioners and superintendents of police. Officials were tasked with informing the public through media outlets and encouraging citizens to report any suspicious activity.
Additionally, residents were asked to participate in a voluntary blackout by switching off all lights between 7:50 PM and 8 PM. Community leaders were involved to spread awareness on dos and don’ts during emergencies.
Additional Chief Secretary (Home Department) Sumita Misra said the mock drill was mandated for 11 districts, but to strengthen preparedness, the exercise was decided to be conducted in all the districts starting at 4 pm with the sounding of a siren.
She said the drill aims to prepare the civilian population for any exigency and reduce the potential of mass panic during such a dire/hostile situation.
Hours before the mock drill, Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi chaired a meeting to review the arrangements for the mock drill.
He issued comprehensive directives to deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) regarding the operational aspects of the mock drill.
He asked the DCs to inform the public through the media that this is merely a preparatory drill. He also told them that they must encourage the public to report any suspicious activities in their respective areas.
In alignment with this exercise, the public has also been requested to switch off all lights in their homes from 7.50 pm to 8 pm as a part of the drill.
Community leaders and prominent local figures should also be involved to help disseminate crucial information about the 'Dos and Don'ts' during the drill, Rastogi directed.
Meanwhile, Sumita Misra said the state government has formally implemented the Incident Response System (IRS) at both district and state levels under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Through IRS, authorities aim to streamline the response mechanism, reduce confusion during emergency situations and minimise reliance on ad-hoc measures.
Follow us
