On the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), bordering states of India are all set to carry out Operation Shield, under which mock drills will be carried out. Mock Drill 2.0 in Indian Bordering states comes amid both India and Pakistan are observing a ceasefire. However, PM Modi has already clarified that Operation Sindoor is halted and not shut down. As a result, the Modi Government is trying to keep residents living in bordering states, especially in sensitive districts, vigilant and prepared for any kind of Pakistan's misadventure.
Punjab Mock Drill on May 31
As per reports, the exercise was initially scheduled for May 29, 2025. However, it was postponed due to the ongoing training of Punjab’s civil defence staff with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The rescheduled drill aims to enhance civil defence preparedness against potential hostile attacks, particularly in states and Union Territories along India’s western border, including Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
On the direction of MHA, the Punjab Home Guards & Civil Defence Department has announced that the 2nd Civil Defence Exercise, codenamed "Operation Shield," will be conducted across all districts of Punjab on May 31, 2025, at 1800 hours ( 6 pm ).
While having a discussion by True Scoop News, Special DGP, Civil Defence, of Punjab Sanjeev Kalra mentioned that the directions have been shared by the Ministry of Home Affairs. DGP Sanjeeb Kalra stated, “Yes, we’ve received the directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs. All arrangements are being finalized in coordination with the district administrations. Our goal is to test and strengthen real-time response capabilities.”
As per the official notification of MHA, Operation Shield will focus on several critical contingencies mentioned below-
- Mobilization of Civil Defence Wardens, volunteers, local administration, and youth organizations such as NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts & Guides to support civil defence measures.
- Simulation of air raids, drone attacks, and missile strikes by enemy forces.
- Activation of hotlines between Air Force and Civil Defence Control Rooms, along with centrally controlled air raid sirens.
- Implementation of blackout measures in civilian areas, excluding emergency and critical services.
- Simulation of evacuating 20 victims from a military station attacked by enemy drones to a safer location.
- Augmentation of medical teams and securing 30 units of blood for mass injury scenarios.
- Mobilization of Border Wing Home Guards to support the Indian Army’s Rear Area Security plan.
The Punjab Home Guards & Civil Defence Department has instructed all Deputy Commissioners to organize the mock drill using available resources and submit an Action-Taken Report.