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Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
‘Exercise Suraksha Chakra': Emergency mock drill to be conducted across 5 districts in Haryana on August 1. Here are the details
The Haryana Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, is joining hands with the Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to conduct a full-scale mock drill across Southern Haryana on August 1, Dr. Sumita Misra, the state's Financial Commissioner, Revenue, said on Tuesday. The drill, titled Exercise Suraksha Chakra, will take place in the districts of Gurugram, Rewari, Faridabad, Nuh, and Palwal on Friday. Dr Misra stated that the mock drill is part of a four-day initiative ending on August 1, that aims to assess real-time emergency response across the National Capital Region (NCR). The exercise is conducted to strengthen and assess emergency response capabilities in the face of large-scale disasters such as earthquakes and industrial chemical hazards, she said. The exercise involves participation from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi across 18 districts, alongside the involvement of the Indian Army's Headquarters (HQ) Western Command and HQ Delhi Area. 'The exercise aims to strengthen inter-agency coordination, validate existing disaster management plans, and rigorously test real-time emergency response capabilities through a unified approach involving administration, armed forces, emergency services, and community stakeholders, Incident Response System (IRS) across all levels, strengthen Emergency Support Functions (ESFs), identify resource gaps,' Dr. Misra added. The exercise will unfold in phases. On July 30, a table top exercise, designed to test response to a potential emergency situation, will be conducted simultaneously at Manekshaw Centre in Delhi and other venues across NCR to discuss scenarios and formulate Incident Action Plans. The exercise will culminate on August 1 with a full-scale mock exercise conducted simultaneously across all participating districts, featuring live simulations at five sites per district: a school, government building, residential area, hospital, and industrial zone. She said that District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) have received directives to activate Emergency Operations Centres and conduct pre-mock awareness campaigns, ensuring the clear demarcation of staging areas, medical aid posts, relief camps, and safe evacuation routes. They are also tasked with actively involving Aapda Mitra, Red Cross, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) volunteers, other NGOs, and are also responsible for coordinating extensively with local stakeholders. Importantly, all risky real-life simulations for civilians will be avoided, with trained personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Fire Services conducting all rescue operations, Dr. Misra stated. During the upcoming mock drill, sirens will sound at 9:00 am, initiating the drill, followed by immediate evacuation procedures, Dr. Misra added. Following the exercise, a state-level debriefing and feedback session, chaired by senior officers, will be held to evaluate the exercise. Observers will provide performance reviews and self-assessment reports to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, with a comprehensive final report, including videos and photographs, to be compiled for future reference. This is, however not the first time, the Millennium City is getting involved in mock drills. In May, voluntary blackouts were conducted across the city, to test civil preparedness in the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Exercise Suraksha Chakra on August 1: Here's how Haryana is preparing for this disaster mock drill
Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi will conduct a large-scale multi-state disaster preparedness mock drill on August 1. As many as 18 districts will participate, including five from Haryana: Gurgaon, Rewari, Faridabad, Nuh, and Palwal. The drill will begin at 9 am with sirens signalling the start of immediate evacuation procedures. Giving details, Haryana Financial Commissioner (Revenue) Dr Sumita Misra said, 'Haryana Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, along with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will conduct the full-scale mock drill 'Exercise Suraksha Chakra' on August 1. This comprehensive disaster management exercise aims to rigorously assess and strengthen real-time emergency response capabilities in the face of large-scale disasters such as earthquakes and industrial chemical hazards. The exercise involves participation from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi across 18 districts, alongside the Indian Army's HQ Western Command and HQ Delhi Area.' 'The exercise aims to strengthen inter-agency coordination, validate existing disaster management plans, and rigorously test real-time emergency response capabilities through a unified approach involving administration, armed forces, emergency services, and community stakeholders, Incident Response System (IRS) across all levels, strengthen Emergency Support Functions (ESFs), identify resource gaps,' Dr Misra added. 'This initiative sets a benchmark for disaster resilience in Haryana and is expected to significantly enhance the state's capacity to manage real-life emergencies through proactive planning, effective coordination, and inclusive participation. The exercise will unfold in phases. On July 30, a Table Top Exercise (TTEx) will be conducted simultaneously at Manekshaw Centre and various centres, state and district officials' responders to discuss scenarios and formulate Incident Action Plans (IAPs),' she said. She said the exercise will culminate on August 1 with a full-scale Mock Exercise conducted simultaneously across all participating districts, featuring live simulations at five sites per district: a school, government building, residential area, hospital, and industrial zone. Haryana's District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) have received directives to activate Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) and conduct pre-mock awareness campaigns, ensuring the clear demarcation of staging areas, medical aid posts, relief camps, and safe evacuation routes. 'They are also tasked with actively involving Aapda Mitra, Red Cross, NCC, NSS, NYKS volunteers, and NGOs, and coordinating extensively with local stakeholders. Crucially, all risky real-life simulations for civilians will be avoided, with trained personnel from NDRF, SDRF, and Fire Services conducting all rescue operations. Following the exercise, a state-level debriefing and feedback session, chaired by senior officers, will be held to evaluate the exercise,' Dr Misra said. Exercise Suraksha Chakra is part of a nationwide directive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct large-scale, multi-state, multi-agency preparedness exercises.
New Indian Express
14 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Full-scale multi-state disaster mock drill to be conducted across five districts in Haryana on August 1
CHANDIGARH: A full-scale multi-state disaster mock drill 'Exercise Suraksha Chakra' will be conducted in Gurugram, Rewari, Faridabad, Nuh and Palwal districts of Haryana on August 1. It will be conducted by the Revenue and Disaster Management department of the State, along with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), to strengthen real-time emergency response capabilities for the entire National Capital Region (NCR). Haryana Financial Commissioner Revenue Dr Sumita Misra said that the comprehensive disaster management exercise is underway as part of a four-day initiative till August 1 for the entire National Capital Region (NCR). The initiative aims to rigorously assess and strengthen real-time emergency response capabilities in the face of large-scale disasters such as earthquakes and industrial chemical hazards. The exercise involves participation from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi across 18 districts, alongside the Indian Army's HQ Western Command and HQ Delhi Area. The exercise also aims to strengthen inter-agency coordination, validate existing disaster management plans, and rigorously test real-time emergency response capabilities through a unified approach involving administration, armed forces, emergency services, and community stakeholders, Incident Response System (IRS) across all levels, strengthen Emergency Support Functions (ESFs), identify resource gaps, she added. Misra emphasised, "This initiative sets a benchmark for disaster resilience in Haryana and is expected to significantly enhance the state's capacity to manage real-life emergencies through proactive planning, effective coordination, and inclusive participation."
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt reviews preparations for CET
Chandigarh: The Haryana govt on Friday reviewed the preparedness for the common eligibility test (CET) to be conducted by the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) across 20 districts of the state and UT Chandigarh on Saturday and Sunday. While additional chief secretary, home department, Sumita Misra on Friday reviewed the preparations of the district administration for the CET in Panchkula, other senior officials, including those from civil and police administration, reviewed arrangements in their respective districts. Around 13.70 lakh applicants are expected to take the examination. The HSSC has also made an arrangement of around 1,000 Haryana Roadways buses for those taking exams – for shuttle service to examination centres. The HSSC teams also made arrangements for the conduct of examination, even as the officials of district administration reviewed security arrangements in and around the exam centres. The preparations were being made in addition to invoking the prohibitory orders within the 500-metre radius of the examination centres and setting up special police check posts at strategic locations. Sumita Misra, while reviewing arrangements, directed the police to maintain strict vigil while being courteous to candidates and their guardians. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Extending her best wishes to all the aspirants, she urged them to arrive at exam centres well in advance. Any candidate facing difficulties en route can approach the nearest police personnel for assistance, she said. Police have been instructed to escort stranded candidates to their exam centres without delay, Sumita added. She also directed for the setting up of helpdesks at bus stands and other prominent locations for the convenience of candidates. Sumita further urged students and parents not to fall for fake messages, letters, or rumours circulating on social media. "Follow only official instructions issued by the Haryana Staff Selection Commission, the police, or the district administration," she said, adding that any attempt to spread misinformation or share forged documents would result in immediate police action. Transport arrangements for Teej (BOX) Haryana transport minister Anil Vij on Friday announced that on Saturday and Sunday, general passengers would also be allowed to travel in the buses operating in various cities of Haryana for the common entrance test candidates. He said his suggestion was accepted by CM Nayab Singh Saini, as July 27 coincides with Teej celebrations, a widely observed cultural and religious festival in Haryana, and a large number of citizens, particularly women, travel to visit their families and temples. He further said it was equally important to ensure smooth, uninterrupted, and safe public transportation for the general public.
Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
How Haryana leads the way in implementing new criminal laws
Written by Dr Sumita Misra India has a long and proud tradition of justice delivery, with roots stretching back to ancient epics and empires. From the legal frameworks outlined in the Mahabharata to the administrative systems of the Mauryan period, the Indian ethos has long been built around fairness, order, and the protection of rights. Today, as India undertakes one of its most significant legal overhauls since independence, Haryana—land of the Mahabharata—has once again taken the lead in shaping the next chapter of Indian jurisprudence. With the nationwide enforcement of three transformative criminal laws—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—from July 1, 2024, Haryana has emerged as the national frontrunner in comprehensive, on-ground implementation. These laws replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act, ushering in a justice system that is not only modern and egalitarian but also steeped in Bharatiya values. Under the decisive leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana began early and acted decisively. A full-fledged transition plan was developed across all districts, combining administrative foresight with technological readiness. The state's proactive approach included: – Massive training programmes for police, prosecutors, and judicial officers – Workshops at the district level in partnership with academic institutions – Deployment of eSign tools, Aadhaar-authenticated workflows, and real-time crime documentation systems This robust preparedness ensured that Haryana was not just compliant with the new laws but ready to operationalize them in spirit and substance. The new criminal laws are designed to enable speedy, scientific, and tech-enabled justice delivery. Haryana has translated these principles into action through multiple pioneering initiatives: – Mandatory day-to-day hearings under Section 346 of BNSS – Introduction of 'block dates' to minimize adjournments in serious cases – Auto-FIR registration in vehicle thefts and Aadhaar-verified witness statements – Widespread use of video conferencing, with over 78% of undertrial peshis (court appearances) now held virtually – Creation of 2,117 designated spaces across districts for witness examination via electronic means—including government offices, banks, and special rooms for women and vulnerable witnesses Such measures have not only improved efficiency but also enhanced access to justice—especially for victims, witnesses, and marginalized groups. Haryana has also led the way in forensic and medico-legal modernization: – MedLEaPR (Medical Legal Examination and Post Mortem Reporting) has been used statewide for over a decade and is now being emulated by other states. Integrated with CCTNS, it ensures electronic submission of medico-legal reports within seven days, enabling over 90% of cases to be resolved within a week. – The TraKea Forensic Case Management System, now fully operational, streamlines evidence handling and ensures accountability and transparency in forensics. At the heart of this new legal regime is a commitment to victim-centric justice. Haryana's Witness Protection Scheme, 2025, notified in February this year, offers a graded protection system based on real-time threat perception: – Categorization of witnesses into A, B, and C levels – Measures such as no face-to-face encounters with the accused, relocation, identity changes, and monitoring of communications This framework ensures that victims and witnesses are shielded from intimidation and can participate in the legal process without fear. Haryana has prioritized gender-sensitive justice through: – Fast Track Special Courts under the POCSO Act in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Panchkula – Specialized police training and outreach campaigns to support victims – Aggressive monitoring under the Chinhit Apradh initiative, under which 1,683 heinous crimes have been fast-tracked Conviction rates have climbed in response, with some districts like Faridabad, Dabwali, and Karnal recording over 95% conviction in Chinhit Apradh cases. As of April 30, 2025, 1,764 cases have been decided under the BNS, with a conviction rate of 77.15%. From July 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, 2,038 cases were completed, resulting in 1,540 convictions. Districts like Kurukshetra (75%), Sirsa (78.57%), and Rewari (85%) are also setting benchmarks. The BNS and BNSS have introduced crucial timelines, including time-bound framing of charges, addressing the long-standing issue of delayed trials. This is already showing visible results. A rape and murder trial of a minor girl concluded in 140 days in Yamunanagar, resulting in a death sentence—with the victim's father publicly thanking the justice system for swift redress New powers, new accountability Under Section 356 of the BNSS, courts can now conduct trials in absentia, allowing them to proceed against proclaimed offenders. Haryana has already identified 193 such cases, and four have been tried under the new provision. The Directorate of Prosecution, now statutorily empowered to monitor these cases under Section 20(7) of BNSS, ensures rigorous oversight. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and through Haryana's on-ground execution, India's legal system is undergoing a transformation that is transparent, time-bound, and tech-forward. With its deep commitment to victim rights, judicial efficiency, and digital innovation, Haryana is not only implementing the BNS-BNSS-BSA triad effectively but is also providing a blueprint for other states. As the nation marches towards Viksit Bharat 2047, Haryana's journey stands as a testament to what visionary governance and resolute execution can achieve. In this new era of justice, the state's leadership ensures that laws are not just written on paper but come alive in courtrooms, police stations, and citizens' lives—delivering the Nyaya India has long awaited. (The author is Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Jails, Criminal Investigation & Administration of Justice Departments, Government of Haryana)
