India To Conduct Civil Defence Mock Drill In Five States, UT Bordering Pakistan On 31 May

A Civil Defence Exercise, Operation Shield, will commence on 31 May at 5 pm in states on India's western border, aiming to fortify defence measures against potential threats from enemy aircraft, drones, and missile attacks.

The exercise spans five border states—Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Haryana, and Rajasthan— which are located near the line of Control and the International border with Pakistan, and are particularly vulnerable to cross-border threats.

The announcement of the mock drill, which had reportedly sparked concern and panic in Pakistan, aims to prepare local administrations and volunteers for air raids, drone attacks, and missile strikes along the western border.

"It is requested to plan and organize the Civil Defence Exercise 'Operation Shield' on 31.05.2025 at 1700 Hrs onwards (the exact time may be suited as per local convenience) by involving all local administration and stakeholders. An action taken report in this regard may be shared with this directorate," Umesh Sharma, Assistant Director General of Civil Defence, was quoted as saying by Business Today.

Participants will include Civil Defence Wardens, trained volunteers, and members from NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts & Guides, who will carry out coordinated defence procedures during the drill.

Key components of the exercise include the activation of communication hotlines between the Air Force and Civil Defence Control Rooms, alongside centrally controlled air raid sirens.

These communication link-ups and siren tests are vital to ensuring swift, unified responses during real-time threats, simulating the tempo of wartime urgency.

Full blackouts will be imposed in civilian zones adjoining the drill areas, excluding critical infrastructure and emergency services, to realistically mimic wartime contingencies.

Initially slated for Thursday, the operation was rescheduled owing to administrative reasons.

This drill follows the terrorist attack on 22 April in Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists and the subsequent Indian strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied J&K.

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