Haryana launches Operation Shield, a massive civil defence exercise, to enhance war-time emergency preparedness. Operation Shield is the follow-up to Operation Sindoor, the Indian military response to security threats. Operation Shield will be geared to check the state’s war-time preparedness and enhance coordination between civil defence and defence forces.
The main aim of Operation Shield is to enhance the emergency response mechanism of Haryana. The exercise will be conducted to mimic aerial attacks, drone attacks, and blackout exercises so that the state is prepared in the event of actual threats. Officials ensured that this exercise will make loopholes in current emergency systems apparent and enhance the coordination among the agencies.
Key Highlights of the Operation
Statewide Mock Drills: Organized in all 22 districts of Haryana.
Simulated Air Raids & Drone Attacks: Trial of counter-measures against aerial attacks.
15-Minute Blackout: Synchronized blackout at the specified locations between 8 PM and 8:15 PM, excluding essential services such as hospitals and police stations.
Civil Defence Mobilization: Participation of National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), and Bharat Scouts & Guides in support of emergency situations.
Communication Testing: Hotline testing with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to facilitate smooth coordination.
Operation Shield comes on the heels of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Operation Sindoor was surgical strikes across terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The fresh Haryana action is to orient civilians and local administration to the same kind of crisis.
Haryana is not the only one conducting such exercises. Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir are also conducting similar exercises under the instructions of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. These will enable the checking of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for counter-terror operations, air strikes, etc., and other crisis scenarios.
Citizens will have to follow blackout procedures and stay indoors during the drills. Schools and medical facilities will also be included so that they can react quickly and efficiently under actual crisis situations.
Operation Shield is a creative step to enhance the security mechanism of Haryana. Mock drills and blackout exercises are being conducted by the state to prepare its citizens as well as defence men and women to tackle any expected threat. The initiative reflects the significance of civil defence readiness to attain national security.
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