Haryana to conduct drills under ‘Operation Shield’ across all 22 districts on May 29

Haryana government will conduct civil defence exercise to test emergency preparedness and coordination with defence forces and local communities.

The Haryana government will conduct a civil defence exercise, named Operation Shield, on Thursday (May 29, 2025), across all 22 of the State's districts to vet its emergency preparedness.

Scheduled to take place between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., the drill is being organised under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, to simulate critical incidents such as air raids, drone attacks, and other wartime scenarios in the light of current national security concerns, an official said.

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Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary, Haryana Home Department, said the exercise aims to test existing emergency mechanisms, improve coordination between the civil administration, defence forces, and local communities, and identify areas that need to be strengthened.

She said the drill will involve a large-scale mobilisation of Civil Defence Wardens, registered volunteers, and youth outfits like the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and Bharat Scouts and Guides.

The drill will involve responding to aerial threats such as air raids and unmanned aerial vehicles, activation of air raid sirens, and testing of control room communication hotlines connected with the Indian Air Force, she said.

In addition, a controlled blackout will be observed from 8 p.m. to 8.15 p.m. near vital installations, with essential emergency services such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations excepted, she said.