Operation Shield, a large-scale civil defence exercise, has been conducted today, May 31, across four states and two union territories in northern and western India. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Jammu and Kashmir are participating in the crucial mock drills, aimed at bolstering emergency preparedness amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions with Pakistan.
The initiative, launched at the directive of the Union Home Ministry, was originally slated for May 29 but was delayed due to administrative reasons. Today’s exercises are designed to simulate a range of emergency situations, underscoring the government’s intensified focus on national security.
These drills follow a similar exercise held on May 7, which was prompted by escalating India-Pakistan tensions in the aftermath of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. That earlier drill reportedly identified critical gaps in civil defence readiness, leading to the current, more comprehensive “Operation Shield.”
What is a Mock Drill?
As reported by Hindustan Times, a government spokesperson from Punjab told that the current exercise is the second civil defence drill, authorised under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. These mock drills are vital for preparing for emergency situations and ensuring a robust state of preparedness across different regions.
What happens in a Mock Drill?
Jayanti Ravi, Chief Secretary of Gujarat’s Revenue Department, explained to ANI that the mock drills involve various actions to ensure the local administration’s readiness in civil security. This includes the active participation of young volunteers from organisations like NCC, NSS, and Bharat Scout and Guide. Critical components of the drill involve establishing a hotline between the Air Force and the Civil Security Control Room to coordinate responses to potential enemy aircraft and missile attacks. During these exercises, air raid sirens may also be activated.
In Punjab, Special Director General of Police Sanjeev Kalra informed ANI that the exercise would simulate a large-scale emergency situation, involving fire services and representatives of the armed forces.
(With ANI inputs)