The major civil security exercise named “Operation Shield” to be organized by the Haryana government in all 22 districts of the state on May 29 has been postponed. The exercise was to start at 5 pm and was aimed at enhancing the state’s emergency preparedness and response strength. Now this mock drill has been canceled due to administrative reasons. The new date will be announced later.
In this exercise, air strikes, drone attacks and war-like situations were to be simulated. It was being held on the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India to test the security system and emergency response mechanism in the state.
Emergency system was to be tested
Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department Dr. Sumita Mishra had said that the purpose of this exercise was to check the existing emergency system of the state, improve coordination between civil administration, security forces and local people and ensure quick response in times of need.
They were to participate
Civil Defence Wardens, Registered Volunteers, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and Bharat Scouts and Guides were also to be included in this exercise, so that the youth can also help in dealing with emergency situations.
A 15-minute blackout was planned
Under ‘Operation Shield’, a controlled blackout was to be done around important places from 8:00 pm to 8:15 pm. However, essential services like hospitals, police stations and fire stations were exempted from it.
Now there will be no exercise
Now as per the instructions of the government, there will be neither any mock drill nor blackout in any district of Haryana on May 29. Citizens have been appealed not to pay attention to any rumour and the situation will remain normal.
