In a significant nationwide move aimed at enhancing civil defence preparedness along India’s western borders, the second phase of Operation Shield will be conducted today, May 31, 2025. This operation is focused on augmenting readiness against any hostile attacks, particularly in view of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The first phase of this civil defence mock drill exercise was held earlier on May 7, and following its success, today marks a comprehensive follow-up drill.

The regions participating in this major exercise include Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Jammu & Kashmir, all strategically located along the western frontier of India. The objective is to test preparedness measures such as emergency evacuations, activation of air raid sirens, and controlled blackouts. These drills aim to ensure the operational effectiveness of both civilian response teams and emergency services under simulated wartime conditions.

Operation Shield Details by Region

Punjab
In Punjab, the mock drills under Operation Shield will commence with an emergency service rehearsal from 5 pm to 6 pm, followed by a blackout in Amritsar from 8 pm to 8:30 pm. Notably, there will be no blackout in the Walled City area, where the Golden Temple is located. Essential services and airport areas including surrounding villages will also be exempted from the blackout.

Haryana
The Haryana government will conduct Operation Shield exercises across all 22 districts. With participation from over 32,000 Civil Defence Volunteers, this drill will follow the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. A 15-minute controlled blackout is scheduled from 8 pm to 8:15 pm near critical installations. However, emergency facilities like hospitals, police stations, and fire services will remain unaffected.

Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s state civil defence department has directed all district collectors and magistrates to ensure simultaneous blackouts and mock drills across all 41 districts. This includes a comprehensive execution of sirens, emergency evacuations, and deployment of medical response teams in simulated hostile scenarios.

Drill Objectives and Strategic Importance

This phase of Operation Shield is particularly important in light of the recent India-Pakistan geopolitical dynamics, which have triggered the need for enhanced internal defence capabilities. According to officials, the civil defence mock drills will not only include routine siren activations but also family evacuation rehearsals from military stations, medical deployment, and blood unit transport coordination.

The operation is designed to test the resilience of urban and rural populations, the response time of authorities, and the readiness of health and emergency departments. All drills are to be carried out without public panic, ensuring that normal life is not disrupted, especially around religious places and high-security zones.

The timings of the blackout and the details of the drills were originally set for May 29, but due to logistical reasons, they were postponed to May 31. This delay allowed all departments to be adequately briefed and trained, ensuring maximum efficacy during the drills.

What to Expect Today During Operation Shield

Citizens in affected states and UTs are advised to remain calm and cooperative during the drills. Public announcements and sirens will precede the controlled blackouts, and security personnel and volunteers will be on ground to assist the public. There may also be traffic diversions, temporary halts in public transport, and suspension of non-essential power supply in select zones.

According to sources, Operation Shield will simulate drone attack scenarios as well, where military and medical teams will practice evacuation protocols and rapid deployment responses. These drills also allow authorities to measure logistical readiness, communication efficiency, and coordination among multiple departments during emergencies.

Reinforcing Civil Defence in Modern Conflict Scenarios

The government’s emphasis on Operation Shield stems from the growing importance of preparedness in hybrid warfare situations, including cyber intrusions, aerial threats like drones, and sabotage operations. With modern technology enabling swift attacks, civil preparedness becomes a critical pillar of national defence.

By including local volunteers, medical teams, fire services, and police departments, the drills create an ecosystem of real-time collaboration. In a post-COVID world where emergency response has become a public priority, such drills serve as both preventive and educative exercises.

The exercise also serves to reassure citizens that state and central governments are actively working to protect lives and infrastructure, even before an actual crisis emerges. These mock drills are not mere rehearsals; they are critical tests of India’s security readiness in the face of changing warfare dynamics.

Public Participation and Media Awareness

The public’s role in Operation Shield is crucial. Civil authorities have urged residents in the selected areas to stay indoors during the blackout period, follow safety protocols, and refrain from spreading misinformation on social media. Verified updates are being shared through official channels to avoid panic and ensure awareness.

Operation Shield has also been a trending topic in recent days due to the scale of participation and its potential long-term benefits. As media and citizens continue to highlight the importance of mock drills and civil defence, the initiative sets a new benchmark for proactive security planning.

Conclusion

Operation Shield, scheduled on May 31, reinforces the nation’s dedication to civil defence preparedness across critical states and UTs. With mock drills, blackouts, and emergency rehearsals, the operation ensures that both governments and civilians are better prepared for any unforeseen threat. This initiative underlines the importance of safety, coordination, and rapid response in safeguarding the public and vital infrastructure amid rising regional tensions.

As drills unfold across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and J&K, Operation Shield emerges as a defining step in securing India’s western frontier through preemptive action and civil participation.

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