What Is the Full-Scale Mock Drill Exercise Happening in Haryana on August 1?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mock drill on August 1 to enhance disaster management.
- Involvement of multiple states and agencies for comprehensive training.
- Focus on real-time emergency response capabilities.
- Activation of emergency operations centers across districts.
- Community engagement with local stakeholders and volunteers.
Chandigarh, July 29 (NationPress) The Haryana Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Sumita Misra, announced on Tuesday that the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), will carry out a comprehensive mock drill named ‘Exercise Suraksha Chakra’ on August 1.
This drill is scheduled to take place in the districts of Gurugram, Rewari, Faridabad, Nuh, and Palwal. Misra stated that this disaster management exercise is part of a broader four-day initiative leading up to August 1 for the entire National Capital Region (NCR). The goal is to thoroughly evaluate and enhance real-time emergency response capabilities in the event of large-scale disasters such as earthquakes and chemical industrial hazards.
The exercise will see participation from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, covering 18 districts, along with involvement from the Indian Army's HQ Western Command and HQ Delhi Area. It aims to bolster inter-agency cooperation, validate current disaster management strategies, and rigorously assess real-time emergency response capabilities via a collaborative approach involving local administration, armed forces, emergency services, and community stakeholders. The initiative will also address emergency support functions and pinpoint resource deficiencies, Misra explained.
Misra highlighted that this program “sets a standard for disaster resilience in Haryana and is anticipated to greatly improve the state's ability to handle real-life emergencies through proactive planning, effective coordination, and inclusive participation”.
She instructed district disaster management authorities to activate emergency operations centers and conduct pre-mock awareness campaigns. This will ensure the clear identification of staging areas, medical aid posts, relief camps, and safe evacuation routes.
The initiatives will also engage Aapda Mitra, Red Cross, NCC, NSS, NYKS volunteers, and NGOs, while coordinating extensively with local stakeholders. Importantly, all hazardous real-life simulations for civilians will be avoided, with trained personnel from NDRF, SDRF, and Fire Services managing all rescue operations. The drill will commence with sirens sounding at 9 a.m., marking the start of immediate evacuation procedures, Misra added.