New Delhi, 09 May 2025: As military tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate following Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s retaliatory actions, the national capital is preparing for potential emergencies. In a precautionary move, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have suspended all leave for their officers and staff until further notice.
This unprecedented step comes amid growing concerns of national security, blackout warnings, and heightened alert across sensitive regions, especially along the Line of Control (LoC). The decision aims to ensure that the municipal infrastructure and emergency response systems remain fully functional and responsive in the event of any crisis.
Emergency Protocols Triggered
An official order issued by the Services Department of the Delhi Government on May 8 instructed all departments to remain operational round the clock. The directive was swiftly implemented by the MCD and NDMC.
The official MCD circular stated:
“All Heads of Departments of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi are directed that no leave shall be granted to any officer and official of MCD till further orders.”
This directive applies to all municipal employees, from senior officials to ground-level staff including sanitation workers, engineers, and emergency maintenance teams. The NDMC has also echoed similar instructions, citing the need for maximum preparedness in the face of unforeseen challenges such as civil disruptions, blackout management, or infrastructure damage.
Capital’s Frontline Preparedness
With Delhi being the nerve centre of governance and a likely target in the unfortunate event of war, the civic bodies are treating the situation with the utmost seriousness. By suspending staff leave, authorities are ensuring that manpower is not compromised in critical services like:
Internal teams have also been instructed to review contingency plans, update emergency communication channels, and assess resource availability like diesel reserves for generators, drinking water, and food stocks for hospitals and public shelters.
Public Urged to Stay Calm but Vigilant
While the Delhi government has not declared any formal emergency for the public yet, citizens are being urged to stay updated through official channels and avoid spreading panic via social media. Multiple districts across the national capital region have reportedly conducted mock drills to check readiness in case of missile threats, air raids, or power failures.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police, paramilitary forces, and emergency medical teams remain on high alert. Additional monitoring has been implemented at metro stations, airports, government buildings, and key infrastructure points.
The India-Pakistan war tensions have forced Delhi’s civic bodies to activate wartime readiness protocols. The no-leave policy for NDMC and MCD staff reflects a larger nationwide preparation effort. As the situation develops, the public is advised to remain cautious, stay informed, and follow instructions from local authorities.
