The North News
New Delhi, May 29
The Centre will conduct a large-scale civil defence exercise, Operation Shield, across six border states and Union territories on May 31. The nationwide mock drill, set to begin at 5pm, will be carried out in all districts of Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh — regions that share a border with Pakistan.
Announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the exercise aims to test preparedness for potential threats such as enemy air raids, drone strikes, and missile attacks. It will include blackout protocols, the sounding of air raid sirens, and coordinated emergency response operations.
In Punjab, the second phase of Operation Shield will start at 6pm. Civilian areas identified as vulnerable or vital will be required to observe a complete blackout, excluding emergency and critical services.
The government has directed all local administrations and stakeholders in the participating regions to organise and coordinate the drill effectively. The exercise is being held under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968.
The first edition of Operation Shield was conducted on 7 May. Officials said the renewed focus on civil defence follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, underscoring the need for enhanced public readiness and inter-agency coordination in times of crisis.
