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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
What is Operation Shield? Why are mock drills being conducted again?
Civil defence drills or mock drills are being conducted again across several states in India, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Jammu and Kashmir under 'Operation Shield', days after a similar nationwide exercise took place on May 7. Mock drills aim to test India's readiness for emergency situations such as air raids, blackouts, and evacuations. Based on the home ministry's directive, to enhance emergency preparedness amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, mock drills have been restarted in several states in India from May 31. Also Read: 'Operation Shield': What will happen during mock drills in 6 states, UTs? Check details The initiative, named Operation Shield, was supposed to be launched on May 29, but had to be cancelled due to administrative reasons. The exercises are intended to simulate several emergency situations in the interest of national security, especially in states bordering Pakistan. Mock drills had been previously held in several states on May 7, following the Pahalgam terror attack which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. Also Read: Mock drill today: These states to conduct 'Operation Shield' exercise. Check timings, other details The mock drills are being conducted in light of officials identifying critical gaps in civil defence preparedness in vulnerable regions post the Pahalgam terror attack and heightened conflict with Pakistan. The drills will include sirens, blackouts, and emergency scenarios designed to test the readiness of local authorities and citizens in case of attacks or disasters. Also Read: Op Shield: Punjab all set for mock drills today Punjab's special director general of police, Sanjeev Kalra, told ANI news agency that the exercise would involve all districts starting at 6 pm. In Haryana and Rajasthan, drills are expected to begin at 5 pm. In Haryana, a total of 32,000 volunteers will take part in the drill across the state. Chief secretary of the revenue department (Gujarat), Jayanti Ravi, said that during the mock drill, young volunteers from the NCC, NSS, Bharat Scout and Guide will carry out various actions such as setting up a hotline between the Air Force and the Civil Security Control Room regarding enemy aircraft and missile attacks. During this time air raid sirens may be activated as well. Sanjeev Kalra added that fire services and representatives of the armed forces will also be involved in the exercise. On May 7, a nationwide mock drill exercise - 'Operation Abhyas' - was held in India, which came hours after Indian military strikes on Pakistani and PoK terror targets under 'Operation Sindoor'.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
'Operation Shield': These states will conduct mock drills today (May 31). Check timings, other details
Civil defence drills or mock drills are being conducted on Saturday, May 31, across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Jammu and Kashmir under 'Operation Shield'. Launched on the home ministry's directive, the initiative is designed to enhance emergency preparedness amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Initially planned for May 29, the drills were delayed due to administrative reasons. The exercises will simulate multiple emergency situations, underscoring the heightened emphasis on national security. Earlier, a mock drill was held on May 7, following the India-Pakistan tensions amid the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Officials identified critical gaps in the civil defence preparedness. A Punjab government spokesperson told Hindustan Times that in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, the Union ministry of home affairs, has decided to hold the second civil defence exercise. These mock drills will help in preparing for emergency situation and ensure preparedness among different states. Chief secretary of the revenue department (Gujarat), Jayanti Ravi, told ANI that during the mock drill, various actions will be carried out related to ensuring readiness of the local administration around civil security. She also said that this will include young volunteers like NCC, NSS, Bharat Scout and Guide and include setting up a hotline between the Air Force and the Civil Security Control Room regarding enemy aircraft and missile attacks. During this time air raid sirens may be activated. In Punjab, Special Director General of Police Sanjeev Kalra told ANI that the exercise would simulate a large-scale emergency situation. He added that fire services and representatives of the armed forces will also be involved in it. Civil defence drills are set to take place on May 31 across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Jammu & Kashmir under 'Operation Shield.' In Haryana, a total of 32,000 volunteers will take part in the drill across the state. In Rajasthan, the mock drill is scheduled to be held across all 41 districts, including Jaisalmer. According to official sources, the mock drill in Rajasthan will begin at 5PM, although the exact location in Jaisalmer district has been kept confidential. Additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of Amritsar, Amit Sareen, told Hindustan Times that, 'A blackout drill will be conducted in the district from 8pm to 8.30pm in which inner areas of the district will be exempted.' (With ANI inputs)
India Gazette
5 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Operation Shield: Civil defence mock drill postponed in Gujarat
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], May 28 (ANI): The civil defence mock drill, earlier scheduled for May 29, has been postponed due to administrative reasons. However, the dates for the same are yet to be announced. A statement released by Gujarat Information Department read, 'It is hereby intimated that the Civil Defence Exercise 'Operation Shield', which was planned to be held on May 29, 2025, is hereby postponed due to administrative reasons. It is requested that necessary directions to all the Controllers of Civil Defence and other stakeholders, may be issued accordingly. Next dates for the exercise shall be issued subsequently.' Additionally, the civil defence exercise has also been postponed in Rajasthan and Union Territory of Chandigarh. Earlier on Wednesday, as per the orders from the Government of India and under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, a civil defence exercise was scheduled to be conducted in Gujarat on Thursday at 5:00 PM. Regarding Operation Shield mock drill, Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department (Gujarat), Jayanti Ravi, on Wednesday, virtually reviewed preparations made by the district administration. Along with this, she also gave necessary instructions to all the District Collectors for successful implementation of mock drill. Further, Jayanti Ravi said that during this exercise, various actions like ensuring the readiness of the local administration regarding civil security; taking the services of young volunteers like NCC, NSS, Bharat Scout and Guide; setting up a hotline between the Air Force and the Civil Security Control Room regarding enemy aircraft and missile attacks; activating the air raid siren; ensuring complete darkness and ensuring public safety and their property will be taken. Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation was a retaliatory response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including one Nepalese national. (ANI)
Hans India
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Gujarat tightens security across key locations; ups surveillance in coastal, border areas
Gandhinagar: A high-security alert has been issued across several states with Gujarat also intensifying its preparedness measures after the Indian Armed Forces' pre-dawn airstrikes on Wednesday on nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under "Operation Sindoor", an official said. Security agencies in coastal and border areas, particularly in Jamnagar, have launched extensive checking and surveillance operations. The Special Operations Group (SOG), Marine Police, and Task Force commandos have been deployed for patrols along sensitive coastal zones, including Halar beach -- known for its proximity to the Pakistan border. Meanwhile, in line with the directives issued by the Central government, a large-scale Civil Defence mock drill was conducted across Gujarat. Chief Secretary of Gujarat, Pankaj Joshi, oversaw the exercise through a virtual monitoring session held at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar. The mock drill aimed to assess the preparedness of various districts in responding to potential emergency situations and to enhance inter-agency coordination. During the virtual review, senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department Dr. Jayanti Ravi, Director General of Civil Defence Manoj Agarwal, Transport Commissioner Anupam Anand, and Relief Commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey were present. The statewide drill included simulated scenarios to test the effectiveness of disaster response mechanisms, communication networks, and civil protection infrastructure. Authorities emphasised the importance of such exercises to ensure Gujarat remains ready to handle crises with efficiency and speed. In response to the heightened alert, all flights to and from key cities including Jamnagar, Bhuj, Rajkot, Jodhpur, and Amritsar, have been suspended. Jamnagar Airport has implemented strict security checks under the supervision of district police, with teams inspecting vehicles and questioning drivers. Flights between Jamnagar and Mumbai will remain suspended for the next three days. Amid these developments, Amit Arora, Joint Administrative Manager of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam and CEO of the Statue of Unity, chaired a review meeting to assess the readiness of the security system at the Narmada Dam. He directed officials to ensure uninterrupted power and communication lines, while keeping backup systems ready to face any emergencies. The State Reserve Force stationed in Ekta Nagar continues its 24x7 surveillance of the dam and surrounding areas. Mock drills are also being conducted across the state to prepare for emergency scenarios. In Jamnagar, the Fire Department is leading coordinated drills across four city zones, involving over 100 personnel and 30 fire engines. Chief Fire Officer K.K. Bishnoi held a detailed pre-briefing for station officers, ensuring readiness for any disaster resulting from escalated tensions. The Jamnagar district police, led by SP Premsukh Delu, also held a comprehensive review with top law enforcement officials, focusing on maintaining law and order and coordination among various departments. Meanwhile, the state government, in coordination with central agencies, has reinforced surveillance and readiness measures to prevent any potential threats. Key urban centers, including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, and Vadodara, are under increased watch, with additional deployment of police forces and paramilitary units in sensitive zones. High-traffic public spaces like railway stations, airports, religious sites, and major stadia -- including the Narendra Modi Stadium -- are being patrolled regularly while and security checks have been intensified.
