A comprehensive civil defence mock drill, dubbed “Operation Shield,” is set to unfold across four significant Indian states adjacent to Pakistan: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana, as well as Chandigarh and Jammu & Kashmir. This preparedness exercise has been organized in response to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, marking it as the first extensive nationwide civil drill initiative since the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
The initiative, orchestrated by the Home Ministry, follows a directive issued for mock drills to take place in 244 districts throughout India on May 7. This date coincides with the launch of Operation Sindoor, which aimed to target terrorist infrastructure across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The primary objective of these drills is to evaluate the speed and efficiency of the country’s civil and military response mechanisms in the face of emergency scenarios, including air raids, terrorist activities, and wartime contingencies.
Today’s exercise will incorporate several critical elements designed to test response protocols. The activation of air raid sirens serves as a fundamental component to gauge the preparedness of response systems and the implementation of blackout plans. In regions close to the Line of Control, such as Uri in Kashmir, community bunkers have been established, while schoolchildren in border areas like Arnia have participated in evacuation drills to ensure readiness.
Moreover, the safety protocols will concentrate on safeguarding crucial infrastructure including military and paramilitary installations, healthcare facilities, and communication centres. Civil defence teams plan to work in conjunction with local organizations to inform civilians, students, and staff about emergency Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), evacuation routes, and designated shelter locations.
Officials are advising residents in the impacted areas to stay calm and to adhere to instructions during the siren tests. Emphasizing the seriousness of the drill, they highlight its role in bolstering the nation’s civilian defence capabilities amid escalating regional tensions. This exercise aims not only at immediate preparedness but also at instilling a culture of readiness within communities that live under the constant shadow of potential conflict.
