Operation Shield: Mock Drill Scheduled Across Five States

Second Phase of Mock Drill Set for May 31

A second phase of the mock drill, known as 'Operation Shield', is set to take place on Saturday, May 31, in five significant states. This follows the initial phase conducted on May 7, which was timed just before the launch of Operation Sindoor, a response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The primary goal of this exercise is to enhance readiness in areas vulnerable to threats near the Line of Control. The planning for Operation Shield was initiated due to escalating tensions with Pakistan following the April 22 terrorist incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives. In retaliation, India executed Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror camps at nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. What states will participate in this second phase of the mock drill, and what evaluations will take place? We have all the details for you!

Drill to Be Held in Five Key States

'Operation Shield' will be executed in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Initially planned for Thursday across various border states and Union Territories, the civil defence mock drill was postponed for administrative reasons. The drill is now scheduled to commence on May 31 from 5:00 PM in districts adjacent to Pakistan. A notice indicated that several deficiencies were noted in the previous exercise, and this drill aims to address those critical gaps and enhance civil defence readiness against potential hostile actions.

Participants in the Mock Drill

The mock drill will involve civil defence wardens, local volunteers, and youth organizations such as NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts & Guides. Participants will engage in safety protocols designed to prepare for potential threats, including attacks from enemy aircraft, drones, or missiles.

As part of the civil defence preparedness initiative, authorities will activate hotlines linking the Air Force with Civil Defence Control Rooms (RCDCC/SCDCC/TCDCCs). Furthermore, centrally controlled air raid sirens will be sounded to simulate real-time emergency situations.

Blackout Measures

Complete blackout measures will be enforced in adjacent civilian areas, excluding emergency and critical services during the mock drills. A controlled blackout lasting 15 minutes will occur from 8 PM to 8:15 PM near vital installations, with exceptions for essential emergency services such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations.