‘Operation Shield’: What will happen during mock drills in 6 states, UTs?

A civil defense exercise under ‘Operation Shield,’ initially planned for Thursday, has been delayed due to administrative issues across several border states and Union Territories. Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab have revealed new dates, while Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh have not done so yet.

The simulation was organized due to increased tensions with Pakistan after a terrorist assault in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, resulting in 26 deaths. In retaliation, India initiated ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, aiming at terror camps in nine sites throughout Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The conflict intensified over four days of clashes from May 7 to 10, during which India attacked Pakistani military installations. In response, Pakistani forces carried out intense shelling along the LoC and international border, while also executing drone and missile strikes on various key locations in the western sector.

The Directorate General of Fire Services and Home Guards, operating under the ministry of home affairs, previously declared that the civil defence drill ‘Operation Shield’ would take place in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh.

The action comes after insights gained during the initial drill on May 7, when officials noted significant deficiencies in civil defence readiness in at-risk areas. Following those findings, the Ministry released directives on May 9 to tackle the deficiencies, utilizing emergency powers and coordinating financial assistance via the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

Intended to enhance preparedness for possible hostile assaults, the forthcoming exercises will encompass all districts in the states and Union Territories adjacent to the western border.  According to sources the exercise will include the activation of centrally controlled air raid sirens, blackout protocols in civilian areas, and mock evacuation of families from military stations in the event of a drone strike. The drills will also involve the deployment of medical teams, transportation of blood units, and other emergency response measures.

Rajasthan will hold a coordinated blackout and mock drill on May 31, as instructed by the civil defence department, involving all 41 districts. Conversely, Punjab has rescheduled its drill to June 3, and Gujarat’s drill has been postponed without a new date yet. Preparations in Gujarat include engaging youth volunteers and setting up emergency communication systems.