Haryana Plans Statewide Flood Preparedness Drill
In a significant move to improve disaster preparedness, the Haryana government has announced a large-scale flood mock drill scheduled for May 14, to be held across 13 flood-prone districts in the state. This initiative aims to enhance emergency response mechanisms and ensure readiness ahead of the monsoon season.
The exercise is being organized in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) as part of the annual mock exercise calendar for states and union territories for 2026-27. According to Sumita Misra, the Financial Commissioner of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, the drill will focus on improving coordination and communication among various agencies involved in disaster response.
The mock exercise will be conducted in four stages. The first stage, an orientation and coordination conference, will be held on May 6 via video conferencing, involving key officials and stakeholders at both the state and district levels. This will be followed by a table-top exercise on May 12, where different flood scenarios will be simulated, and response strategies will be evaluated.
The main phase, a full-scale physical mock drill, will take place on May 14, with active participation from all relevant agencies on the ground. The districts participating in the exercise include Gurugram, Ambala, Faridabad, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Yamuna Nagar, and several others identified as vulnerable due to their proximity to rivers and canals.
The primary objective of the drill is to review disaster management plans and standard operating procedures at various administrative levels. It will also clarify the roles of different stakeholders under the Incident Response System and integrate them into a coordinated response mechanism.
Authorities aim to identify gaps in resources, logistics, and communication systems during the exercise so that corrective measures can be implemented in advance. The drill will also emphasize public awareness through the involvement of local bodies, media, and community organizations.
Officials believe that such preparedness exercises are crucial for ensuring a timely and effective response during actual flood situations. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance Haryana’s disaster management capabilities and minimize risks during the upcoming monsoon season.
