Haryana Government : A comprehensive civil defence mock drill was conducted across all 22 districts of Haryana as part of a nationwide exercise organized under the directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The drill aimed to enhance public awareness and train citizens in emergency protocols and response measures in the event of war or similar crises.
A government spokesperson informed that, in line with the Ministry’s instructions, the Haryana Government and district administrations made all necessary arrangements to ensure the successful execution of the mock drill. Advance guidelines were issued for public awareness, and citizens were requested to extend their cooperation.
As part of the preparedness activities, citizens were briefed on key precautions to take before a blackout. These included keeping mobile phones and power banks fully charged, ensuring the availability of essential supplies, and preparing flashlights, solar or battery-powered torches, radios, and glow sticks. People were also advised to keep a valid ID and assemble a family emergency kit comprising water, dry food, and basic medicines.
Citizens were guided to identify a safe inner room or basement as a designated shelter. Families were encouraged to train all members and rehearse emergency movements, such as switching off all lights and gathering in a secure area within 1–2 minutes. Specific instructions were issued to avoid using elevators between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and to deactivate them during the blackout period to prevent any inconvenience.
*High public participation in Mock Drill*
The spokesperson said that the exercise began with the activation of air raid warning sirens at 4:00 p.m., followed by simulation activities at key locations, including Mini Secretariats, government offices, public sector undertakings, and shopping malls. The final air raid alert was sounded at 7:50 p.m., triggering a complete 10-minute blackout from 7:50 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., during which citizens displayed commendable cooperation by turning off all indoor and outdoor lights and staying indoors.
Motorists also complied with the blackout guidelines by parking their vehicles and switching off headlights. The exercise excluded medical establishments, though they too voluntarily participated by covering their windows with thick curtains.
The spokesperson said that the objective of this mock drill is to prepare the citizens for any emergency and train them to deal with the situation during such a serious/adverse situation.