India-Pak tensions: NDMC, MCD suspend leaves of all officials

In light of the escalating military conflict between India and Pakistan, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have suspended all staff leave until further notice, citing the need for full administrative readiness.

The directive, issued on May 8, follows orders from the Delhi government’s Services Department. According to the MCD’s official circular, “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.”

The NDMC echoed the move, stating, “In view of the order of Government of Delhi dated May 8 and in the context of the prevailing situation and preparedness for emergency response system, the Competent Authority has directed that no leave shall be granted to any Officer/Official till further orders.”

Officials said the measure is part of a broader effort to ensure maximum personnel availability as Delhi enhances its emergency response infrastructure. Similar orders have been issued across all departments of the Delhi government, including instructions for district magistrates to reassess disaster and health management frameworks.

These steps follow Operation Sindoor, a military offensive launched by the Indian armed forces on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation, which began early Wednesday, comes two weeks after the April 22 terror attack near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 26 lives, including 25 tourists.

In a coordinated effort to boost civilian preparedness, Delhi also carried out civil defence drills and blackout exercises on Wednesday to educate residents on appropriate responses during emergencies.

Also Read: Operation Sindoor: Our air defence neutralised 300-400 Pak drones last night, Foreign Secretary Misri

Meanwhile, other border states such as Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat have issued similar no-leave directives for government employees to ensure uninterrupted operations during this period of heightened alert.

(With inputs from PTI)