District-Wide Emergency Exercises Planned in 22 Haryana Locations, Anticipating Power Outage for a Duration of 10 Minutes
New Delhi: Haryana kicks off emergency preparedness drill 'Operation Abhyas' across all 20 districts tonight.
Tonight, Haryana is hosting a series of mock and blackout drills as part of 'Operation Abhyas,' following guidelines set by the Home Ministry. The purpose of this operation is to strengthen disaster preparedness, assess rapid response capabilities, and reduce panic during hostile situations.
The drill will commence with a siren alarm, leading to evacuation exercises, response coordination, and a full blackout. Residents are urged to turn off all lights and stay indoors as part of the drive.
Under 'Operation Abhyas,' the state aims to mimic air raid and blackout scenarios, preparedness for which is vital in war-like situations. In a high-level meeting this week, Haryana's chief secretary Anurag Rastogi issued detailed instructions to Deputy Commissioners and Police officers, ensuring smooth execution of the mock drill.
The exercise will kick off at major government establishments, public sector units, and important sites, involving Home Guards, Civil Defence Volunteers, Police, NCC officials, and Disaster Mitras. Upon directives, Deputy Commissioners will activate civil defence systems as part of a coordinated response, and encourage public participation in the drive.
People are asked to switch off all lights in their homes during the blackout drill from 7:50 pm to 8:00 pm. They're advised to remain indoors, and if driving, to park their vehicle on the side and turn off the lights. Guidelines issued to the public to follow during the blackout drill include staying put, turning off all lights inside and outside the house, and disconnecting the inverter or alternative power supply.
'Operation Abhyas' was first held at 4:00 pm across all districts, involving key government sites, PSUs, schools, commercial centers, and residential areas. This drill aims to test and enhance disaster preparedness and emergency response systems, practice evacuation procedures, fire safety measures, and the implementation of the Air Raid Warning System. It is meant to prepare the public, civil defence volunteers, and various emergency services for hostile situations like air strikes and multiple fire emergencies.
The drill seeks to ensure coordination among government installations, police, Home Guards, Civil Defence volunteers, National Cadet Corps (NCC), and Aapada Mitras. Its ultimate goal is to build awareness and prevent panic during real emergencies through public participation in the exercise. This drill is planned to be conducted annually on 7th May to uphold the principles of Preparation, Precaution, and No Panic.
During 'Operation Abhyas', the state is also encouraging residents to focus on their health-and-wellness by following guidelines that promote safety during the blackout. Scientific research suggests that regular emergency drills can help reduce anxiety and improve overall preparedness when faced with unexpected situations, thereby contributing to better health.
In addition, emergency situations can often disrupt regular routines, leading to a lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits. Hence, it is crucial to incorporate health-and-wellness practices into our emergency response plans, ensuring that we remain fit and healthy even during challenging times.
