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Hindustan Times
2 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
2 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)
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Op Shield: Punjab all set for mock drills today
With a statewide civil defence mock drill scheduled for Saturday, Punjab's special director general of police (DGP) Sanjeev Kalra said large-scale emergency situations will be simulated in all districts, starting 6 pm. Kalra said, 'The mock drill is a part of Operation Shield and is being conducted in all districts of states on the Western border.' Additional deputy commissioner (ADC), urban development, Amritsar, Amit Sareen, said, 'A blackout drill will be conducted in the district from 8 pm to 8.30 pm. Inner areas of the district will be exempted.' In Ferozepur, deputy commissioner Deepshikha Sharma said sirens will be sounded in the city and cantonment areas between 6 pm and 6.30 pm, followed by a voluntary blackout from 9 pm to 9.30 pm in the same zones. In Fazilka, DC Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu said the drill will be carried out from 6 pm to 7 pm. ADC Sareen appealed to residents to switch off all exterior lights, including automatic lights on cameras and lights running on inverters, as soon as the sirens go off at 8 pm. 'If you need to keep lights on inside the house, make sure to use heavy curtains or similar arrangements so that light does not escape outside through windows. During the blackout, the safest place is the ground floor or basement. So, practice sitting in the middle of a room on the ground floor. Try to sit in a place where there is no glass window nearby,' said Sareen. He added, 'Do not go to the rooftop, street, or any open space during the blackout. Those who are driving on the road at that time should turn off their vehicle's lights — whether it's a car, scooter, or motorcycle — and pull over to the side of the road'. Authorities of all three districts assured residents that it is a routine preparedness exercise aimed at enhancing public awareness and readiness in case of emergencies and said that there is no reason to panic.
Mint
2 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Operation Shield: Mock Drill in THESE states, UTs today
Civil defence exercises or mock drills are scheduled to be conducted across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Jammu & Kashmir under 'Operation Shield' today, 31 May. These exercises were last conducted across the nation on 7 May amid India-Pakistan tensions along the borders. These drills are scheduled to be conducted across districts bordering Pakistan in these states and Union Territories today from 5:00 PM onwards, a government press release issued on 29 May said. The exercise aims at enhancing preparedness and awareness in regions located near the Line of Control,which are the most vulnerable to cross-border threats. Earlier, these mock drills were scheduled to be held in the bordering states and Union Territories on 29 May. However, they were rescheduled. The government press statement on 29 May said said that several shortcomings were observed in the previous exercise and this drill is a step to fill the critical gaps and 'augment the Civil Defence preparedness against the hostile attack.' "It is requested to plan and organize the Civil Defence Exercise "Operation Shield" on 31.05.2025 at 1700 Hrs onwards (the exact time may be suited as per local convenience) by involving all local administration and stakeholders. An action taken report in this regard may be shared with this directorate," the reelase said. The mock drill will involve 'Civil Defence Wardens/Volunteers stakeholders from local administration and youth volunteers like NCC, NSS NYKS, Bharat Scouts & Guides' in implementation of various Civil Defence measures against enemy aircraft, drones and missile attacks. During the civil defence preparedness activity, there will be 'Activation of Hotlines between Air Force and Civil Defence Control rooms (RCDCC/SCDCC/TCDCCs) and activation of Centrally controlled and operated Air Raid Sirens.' Besides this, complete blackout measures will be imposed in 'adjoining civilian VA/VPs, excluding emergency/critical services.' In Punjab, complete blackout measures would be implementedin adjoining civilian vulnerable areas and vulnerable points, excluding emergency and critical services and air raid sirens would be sounded, according to a government spokesperson. 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. Punjab's Special Director General of Police, Sanjeev Kalra, said the exercise would involve all districts and simulate large-scale emergency situations starting at 6 pm. Kalra said, "The mock drill is a part of Operation Shield and is being conducted in all districts of the bordering states on the Western border. The mock drill will be conducted by 6 pm, " he said. The Haryana government said that it will conduct the mock drills across all 22 districts to enhance the state's emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Officials told news agency PTI said that the exercise will begin at 5pm and the drills will simulate critical incidents such as air raids, drone attacks, and other wartime scenarios. A controlled blackout of 15 minutes will be observed from 8 pm to 8.15 pm near vital installations in Haryana, with exception of essential emergency services such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations. Haryana Joint Secretary Sumita Mishra said that mock drills will begin at 5 pm. As many as 32,000 volunteers will take part in the exercise across the state. "The mock drill will be conducted throughout Haryana on 31st May. We will also be following the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)...The mock drill will prepare us for any future contingencies...32,000 volunteers will also participate in the mock are training and briefing these activities will be done after 5 pm," she said. The mock drill and blackout exercise under 'Operation Shield' are scheduled to be held across all 41 districts of Rajasthan as well today, according to news agency ANI. Similar mock drills were conducted nationwide on May 7, the same day India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror beds across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 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. The exercise aims at enhancing preparedness and awareness in regions located near the Line of Control.
Mint
3 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Mock Drills: Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana to hold 'Operation Shield' on Saturday - All you need to know
Operation Shield mock drill: State wide mock drills in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana, which were earlier postponed, will now be carried out on Saturday, May 31, around 5-6pm. In Rajasthan, the mock drills would be held across all 41 districts including Jaisalmer. Similar mock drills will also be held in all the districts of Punjab and Haryana. State Mock drill time Civil Defence exercises included / number of volunteers/ locations Rajasthan to begin at 5 pm Six locations in Jaisalmer selected for air siren warnings; 72 Civil Defence personnel deployed Haryana to begin at 5 pm 32,000 volunteers to be involved; sirens, blackouts, emergency scenarios Punjab to be conducted by 6 pm sirens to be sounded; blackouts to be enforced The exact location of mock drills in the Jaisalmer district has been kept confidential for security purposes. "We are being trained under the leadership of experienced officers. Along with the mock drill, we are always ready to deal with emergency situations," a Civil Defense personnel told PTI during a briefing. The exercise, mandated by the Rajasthan Home Department, is aimed to test readiness for air attack scenarios, assess security protocols, and enhance emergency coordination among defense and administrative personnel. For Punjab, the mock drills will also simulate large-scale emergency situations. "Blackout measures, rescue measures, fire services are a part of the mock representatives of the armed forces will also be involved in it," Punjab's Special Director General of Police, Sanjeev Kalra told ANI. Haryana joint secretary Sumita Mishra said that the mock drills in the state would be conducted in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). A total of 32,000 volunteers have been trained and briefed about the same, the joint secretary told PTI. Similar mock drills were conducted nationwide on May 7, the same day India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror beds across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 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. (with inputs from agencies)
