Operation Shield: Mock Drills Conducted in Border States

Operation Shield Mock Drill: On May 31, 2025, several Indian states and Union Territories near the Pakistan border conducted a large-scale civil defence mock drill called Operation Shield. The goal of this exercise was to improve emergency response and readiness in case of potential threats like air raids or drone attacks.

Operation Shield Mock Drill:

The mock drill was held in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh. Activities began at 5 PM and involved coordination between local administration, volunteers, and defence forces. Participants included civil defence wardens, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), youth volunteers, and Bharat Scouts & Guides.

The drills included actions such as sounding air raid sirens, activating emergency hotlines between the Air Force and civil defence control rooms, and enforcing temporary blackouts. These blackouts were designed to test how people and systems would react during an actual threat. In Haryana, for instance, a 15-minute blackout was observed from 8:00 to 8:15 PM, excluding emergency services like hospitals and fire stations.

According to officials, the need for this drill arose after gaps were noticed in a previous nationwide exercise held on May 7. That drill coincided with Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people.

The current drill aimed to fix those weaknesses and prepare the civilian population for emergencies. Over 32,000 volunteers participated in Haryana alone, while all districts in Punjab and Rajasthan were also part of the exercise. Authorities emphasized that such drills are essential for communities living near international borders, as they are more likely to face sudden threats.

Officials stated that more such drills may take place in the future to ensure all regions are well-prepared for any hostile situations. The Ministry of Home Affairs supported and guided the operation.

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