A comprehensive civil defence mock drill under ‘Operation Shield’ will be conducted on May 31, 2025, across all districts in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Chandigarh, with Punjab rescheduling its drill to June 3 and Gujarat expected to announce a new date soon.
The exercise, originally slated for May 29 but postponed for administrative reasons, is designed to test and enhance preparedness against air raids, drone incursions, missile attacks, and terror threats along India’s western border.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and state authorities have called for broad participation, including local administrations, civil defence volunteers, and youth organisations, to ensure effective coordination and public safety.
Simulating Real Threats: Drill Details and Stakeholder Voices
Operation Shield will simulate a range of emergency scenarios, including air raid sirens, citywide blackouts, drone and missile strikes, and mock evacuations of both civilian and military populations. Civil Defence Wardens, volunteers, and youth groups such as the NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts & Guides will be mobilised to carry out critical tasks—ranging from first aid and search-and-rescue to the rapid transport of blood units and setting up of emergency shelters.
In Rajasthan, a blackout will be enforced across all 41 districts, with local authorities coordinating the movement of emergency vehicles and the safe relocation of vulnerable populations. “It is requested to plan and organise the Civil Defence Exercise ‘Operation Shield’ on 31.05.2025 at 1700 Hrs onwards… by involving all local administration and stakeholders,” said Umesh Sharma, Assistant Director General of Civil Defence.
Punjab’s civil defence department, in consultation with the NDRF, has moved its drill to June 3 to allow for additional training and resource mobilisation, underscoring the seriousness with which states are approaching the exercise.
Background: Rising Tensions and Preparedness Initiatives
The urgency behind Operation Shield stems from recent escalations along the India-Pakistan border. On April 22, a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in 26 fatalities, heightening security concerns nationwide. In response, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
This led to several days of cross-border hostilities, including attempted drone and missile attacks by Pakistani forces. The Ministry of Home Affairs responded by directing states to conduct a nationwide civil defence drill, the first of which took place on May 7.
That exercise exposed significant gaps in emergency response and coordination, prompting the government to issue new guidelines and release additional funds through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The current round of drills is part of a broader strategy to strengthen India’s preparedness and resilience, particularly in border states most vulnerable to external threats.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Operation Shield is a powerful reminder of the importance of community engagement and inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding our nation. By involving youth, local volunteers, and multiple government agencies, these drills foster a culture of vigilance, empathy, and shared responsibility.
At a time when the security landscape is rapidly evolving, it is crucial that preparedness efforts go beyond the military and include every segment of society.
The Logical Indian believes that true security is built on a foundation of unity, dialogue, and compassion. As we participate in and observe these preparedness drills, let us reflect on how we, as citizens, can contribute to a safer and more harmonious society. How can local communities be further empowered to play an active role in national security while upholding the values of peace and coexistence?
