Chandigarh (Haryana) [India]: Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi chaired a high-level review meeting on Wednesday ahead of the state-wide mock drill, Operation Abhyas, scheduled for 4:00 pm today across all 22 districts.
In line with the drill, citizens have been requested to participate in a statewide blackout by switching off all lights in their homes between 7:50 pm and 8:00 pm, as part of simulated emergency preparedness measures.
Rastogi directed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to ensure the drill begins from key government establishments, PSUs, and other critical infrastructure points. Civil defence systems in each district are to be activated. The exercise includes participation from Home Guards, Civil Defence volunteers, police, NCC officers, and Aapada Mitras.
Emphasising calm and cooperation, the Chief Secretary assured the public that Operation Abhyas is a precautionary and preparatory exercise, not a response to any real threat. He instructed DCs to engage media and community leaders to spread awareness and avoid panic.
Additional Chief Secretary Sumita Misra added that although the mock drill was originally intended for 11 districts, it has been expanded to the entire state to enhance readiness. The drill will begin with the sounding of a siren and include evacuation, fire safety protocols, and implementation of the Air Raid Warning System.
Misra also noted that the Incident Response System (IRS)—mandated under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and notified on January 28, 2025—has been formally implemented at both state and district levels. The Chief Secretary serves as the Responsible Officer, while the Financial Commissioner Revenue and Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) are designated as Incident Commanders.
Additional roles like District Incident Coordinators, Safety Officers, Nodal Officers, and Information & Media Officers have been appointed to ensure effective response coordination.
All fire services, trauma centres, and emergency resources are on high alert. Residents are advised to stay indoors and away from windows during the blackout, and drivers are urged to pull over, turn off lights, and remain stationary for the duration.
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