The second phase of the nationwide civil defense exercise, “Operation Shield,” will be conducted on June 3, 2025, according to the announcement made by the Punjab Government. The time fixed by the government is 7:30 pm. Notably, the mock drill will be conducted across all the districts of the state, including both border and non-border regions. This exercise is being organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, as part of a broader initiative to enhance the state’s readiness for wartime and disaster scenarios.
Confirming the development, Special DGP Sanjeev Kalra (IPS), who heads Punjab’s Home Guards and Civil Defence, stated that all necessary instructions have been issued to the Deputy Commissioners and District Commanders of Home Guards in every district to ensure smooth and coordinated execution of the mock drill.
Originally scheduled by the Centre for May 29, Punjab received permission to conduct the drill on June 3 due to ongoing Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions being conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for civil defense volunteers and officers.
Comprehensive Statewide Exercise
‘Operation Shield’ is a full-scale simulation of emergency conditions such as enemy attacks, air raids, drone threats, and mass casualties.
The exercise will involve:
• Activation of air raid sirens
• Blackout drills in civilian zones
• Evacuation simulations for both military families and the general public
• Deployment of Border Wing Home Guards alongside police and emergency responders
• Trauma care drills, including provision of 30 units of blood for simulated victims
• Coordination between district administrations, police, health departments, and volunteer organizations such as NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts & Guides
Learning from Past Experience
The first phase of ‘Operation Shield,’ held on May 7, 2025, highlighted several gaps in civil preparedness. This second phase aims to address those gaps with improved coordination, faster response times, and better public awareness. All districts have been directed to submit detailed Action Taken Reports following the conclusion of the exercise.
The state has been authorized to utilize funding from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and take necessary actions under the Civil Defence Act of 1968 to ensure successful implementation.
Special DGP Sanjeev Kalra emphasized that the drill is not just about simulating a conflict scenario but is also intended to prepare the entire civil administration and population for any large-scale emergency, including natural disasters or external threats.