Nationwide exercise tests emergency response, evacuation and disaster management systems at key locations across the district
YAMUNANAGAR | Pen of Democracy News Desk
A district-wide civil defence mock drill was conducted in Yamunanagar on Tuesday as part of the nationwide Civil Defence Exercise initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen emergency preparedness in the event of an air strike or other hostile situations. The exercise was held simultaneously at the District Secretariat, Jagadhri Grain Market, Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) premises and Khera Ambala Road.
The mock drill was carried out under the leadership of Jagadhri Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vishwanath, following the directions of Deputy Commissioner Preeti. The exercise aimed to assess the district’s civil defence preparedness, emergency response mechanisms and coordination among various government departments and rescue agencies.
Rescue teams conduct an evacuation exercise during the civil defence mock drill in Yamunanagar.
The drill commenced at 11 a.m. with the sounding of an air raid warning siren. People present on the upper floors of designated buildings immediately moved to safer locations on the ground floor as per the prescribed emergency protocol. Rescue teams, including Fire Services personnel and trained Disaster Mitras, safely evacuated individuals who were simulated as being trapped inside buildings and shifted them to nearby hospitals for emergency medical care.
SDM Vishwanath said the exercise was organised under the directions of the Government of India and the Haryana Government to strengthen the civil defence system and improve preparedness for emergency situations. He said the drill was designed to familiarise citizens with safety measures, including identifying secure indoor shelters or basements during an air raid or similar emergency.
A temporary control room was established at the District Secretariat to coordinate the exercise, and citizens had been informed in advance about the emergency control room number 01732-237801. The mock operation was executed based on alerts and information received through the control room, enabling officials to evaluate response time and inter-departmental coordination.
The SDM said the exercise also focused on educating citizens about essential “dos and don’ts” during emergencies. He appealed to residents to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity to the police or local authorities. He noted that the Haryana Government has formally implemented the Incident Response System (IRS) under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, at both district and state levels to streamline emergency response and minimise confusion during disasters.
The exercise concluded successfully with the participation of officials from various departments, including City Magistrate Piyush Gupta, DIPRO Dr Manoj Kumar, DRO Tarun Sahota, DEO Prem Lata, medical teams from the Civil Hospital and Civil Defence personnel led by Amarjeet.
