Haryana: Haryana is gearing up for a major statewide disaster preparedness exercise, with the government set to conduct a comprehensive flood mock drill on May 14 across 13 vulnerable districts, including key urban hubs like Gurugram and Faridabad. The initiative is being seen as a crucial step to test the state’s readiness ahead of the monsoon season and to strengthen coordination among emergency response agencies.
Officials from the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Haryana, said the exercise is being conducted in close coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the annual disaster preparedness framework. The primary objective is to ensure that both administrative machinery and frontline response teams are fully prepared to handle real-time flood emergencies effectively and without delay.
The drill will be carried out across 13 identified flood-prone districts: Gurugram, Faridabad, Ambala, Fatehabad, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Panipat, Palwal, Sirsa, Sonipat, and Yamunanagar. These districts have been selected based on their geographical vulnerability, proximity to rivers and drainage systems, and history of waterlogging and flooding incidents.
According to the official plan, the exercise will be conducted in a three-phase structured format. The first phase begins on May 6 with an orientation and coordination conference, where state and district-level officials will align responsibilities, communication protocols, and operational roles through a virtual meeting. This step is aimed at ensuring clarity and synchronization before ground-level execution.
The second phase will take place on May 12 in the form of a table-top simulation exercise, where various flood scenarios will be discussed in a controlled setting. During this stage, authorities will assess response strategies, decision-making processes, and coordination between departments to identify possible gaps in planning.
The final and most critical phase will be the full-scale physical mock drill on May 14, where real-time emergency simulations will be conducted across all 13 districts. Teams from the district administration, police, health services, fire departments, and disaster response units will participate in rescue and relief operations designed to closely mirror actual flood situations. This phase will test response time, inter-agency coordination, and on-ground execution capabilities.
Officials have stressed that the drill is aimed at reviewing and strengthening key disaster preparedness frameworks, including Disaster Management Plans (DMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the Incident Response System (IRS). The IRS system is particularly important as it ensures a coordinated and unified command structure during emergencies, preventing confusion and delays.
A key focus of the exercise will also be identifying gaps in manpower, emergency equipment, communication systems, and logistical support before the monsoon intensifies. Authorities believe that early detection of such weaknesses will significantly improve response efficiency during actual disaster situations.
Alongside administrative preparedness, the government is also prioritising public awareness and community participation. Local bodies, NGOs, and awareness teams will work to educate residents on evacuation procedures, safety protocols, and emergency contact systems, especially in flood-prone urban pockets.
Experts in disaster management highlight that such large-scale drills are increasingly important for rapidly growing regions like Haryana, where urban expansion, drainage pressure, and climate variability have made flood risks more complex and unpredictable. Regular simulation exercises ensure that preparedness is not just theoretical but tested under realistic conditions.
Overall, the upcoming Haryana flood mock drill on May 14 represents a significant step toward building a more resilient disaster response system. The exercise is expected to strengthen coordination, improve readiness, and ensure that the state is better equipped to handle monsoon-related emergencies with speed, efficiency, and confidence.
