Operation Shield Mock Drill: In the wake of escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border, the civil defence mock drill planned under ‘Operation Shield’ has been postponed across several states and Union Territories. Initially scheduled for Thursday, the nationwide drill has been delayed due to administrative reasons, even as states like Rajasthan and Punjab have moved quickly to announce revised dates.
The comprehensive drill was initiated as a strategic response to the increasing threat from across the border following a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. The incident marked one of the deadliest attacks in the region this year and triggered a swift counter-response from Indian forces.
On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, a precision military operation targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The situation rapidly intensified, resulting in four consecutive days of border skirmishes between May 7 and 10. During this period, Indian forces also targeted Pakistani military installations. In retaliation, Pakistan responded with heavy shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border, while also attempting drone and missile strikes on strategic Indian locations in the western sector.
What Is Operation Shield?
In light of the volatile situation, the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Directorate General of Fire Services and Home Guards, announced a civil defence mock drill named ‘Operation Shield’. The exercise was to be conducted across the states and Union Territories bordering Pakistan — namely Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
The decision follows insights from an earlier drill conducted on May 7, which exposed critical gaps in civil defence preparedness, particularly in border areas. Acting on these findings, the ministry issued directives on May 9 under emergency powers, with support from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to bolster readiness.
According to internal sources cited by PTI, Operation Shield includes multiple high-alert civil defence activities such as:
- Activation of centrally coordinated air raid sirens
- Enforcement of blackout protocols in civilian areas
- Mock evacuation drills near military installations in the event of aerial strikes
- Deployment of medical and disaster response teams
- Blood unit transportation and first responder training
These exercises aim to test the coordination between the civil administration, defence forces, and emergency response units in the face of hostile threats, especially aerial and drone-based attacks.
Rajasthan Reschedules for May 31
Rajasthan has taken the lead in rescheduling the postponed drill. According to directives from Jagjeet Singh Monga, Director of Civil Defence in Rajasthan, a statewide blackout and mock drill will be conducted on the evening of May 31 across all 41 districts.
The drill will simulate emergency scenarios such as drone strikes, air raid warnings, and rapid civilian evacuation, ensuring each district’s preparedness aligns with central government guidelines. District collectors and magistrates have been ordered to coordinate the exercise with the local police, fire, and medical services.
Punjab Plans Mock Drill on June 3
Punjab has announced June 3 as the new date for its Operation Shield drill. The rescheduling comes as civil defence personnel in the state are currently undergoing rigorous training sessions with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
A senior official from Punjab Police confirmed that the Union Home Ministry accepted the state’s request to push the drill to June 3. Instructions have now been passed down to all deputy commissioners to conduct the drill in every district simultaneously on the revised date.
Gujarat Yet to Confirm New Schedule
Gujarat, on the other hand, has not yet finalized a new date for the drill. In a statement released by the Gujarat Information Department, authorities confirmed that the May 29 schedule had been postponed due to “administrative reasons.” Officials said that fresh dates would be communicated in due course.
In the meantime, Gujarat’s Chief Secretary for Revenue, Jayanti Ravi, conducted a virtual review meeting with district-level officials on Wednesday. She emphasized the importance of comprehensive preparedness and directed all collectors to ensure foolproof implementation once the new date is announced.
Ravi highlighted several components of the upcoming exercise, including:
- Engaging youth volunteers from NCC, NSS, and Bharat Scouts and Guides
- Creating a real-time hotline between the Air Force and Civil Security Control Room
- Simulating aircraft and missile threats with coordinated blackout and siren systems
- Prioritizing the safety of people and infrastructure during mock attacks
Other States and UTs Await Rescheduling
States like Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh are also yet to declare their new dates for the Operation Shield drill. However, internal sources suggest that these announcements may follow soon after logistical alignments and administrative approvals are completed.
With the backdrop of heightened tensions on the western front, India’s Operation Shield represents a significant civil preparedness initiative — not just as a drill, but as a reflection of the nation’s growing focus on homeland security. As the drills unfold in phases, the focus remains firmly on evaluating how efficiently Indian states can respond to potential real-time threats involving modern warfare techniques such as drone strikes, cross-border shelling, and cyber surveillance disruptions.
For now, the postponement appears procedural, but the urgency behind the operation underscores the strategic seriousness of the situation. All eyes are now on how Gujarat and other regions respond, and how effectively the drills enhance India’s readiness in this era of evolving border conflicts.
