New Delhi: In a major initiative to boost national security preparedness, civil defence mock drills under ‘Operation Shield’ will be conducted today across states and Union Territories bordering Pakistan. The exercises are set to begin at 5:00 p.m. and will take place in Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Chandigarh, with a special focus on vulnerable areas close to the border that are most exposed to cross-border threats.
Originally scheduled for May 29, the drills were postponed due to administrative reasons. A government press release on the same day confirmed the new date and highlighted the significance of these drills in addressing gaps identified during a similar nationwide exercise held on May 7.
Operation Shield is designed to simulate hostile scenarios, including air raid alerts, blackout enforcement, and coordinated emergency responses. The objective is to assess the readiness of civil authorities, emergency services, and local populations in the face of external threats, particularly in districts near the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB).
Officials confirmed that complete blackouts will be enforced in selected civilian zones across Punjab, excluding critical services such as hospitals and emergency responders. Sirens will be sounded to alert the public, followed by mock drills aimed at testing the efficiency and coordination of both communities and response agencies under simulated high-stress conditions.
Government sources noted that the earlier nationwide drill exposed several operational shortcomings, necessitating more targeted exercises in high-risk regions. The current drills are expected to significantly enhance coordination between various agencies, raise public awareness, and improve the ability of local systems to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of an emergency—whether caused by hostile action or a natural disaster.
This focused effort reflects the government’s continued commitment to strengthening civil defence frameworks amid increasing regional security challenges.
