Civil defence mock drills to be held in 3 states tomorrow; check details

The drills in Punjab, J&K, and Haryana will test readiness for emergencies like wars, missile attacks, and aerial strikes

A civil defence mock drill will be carried out on Thursday, May 29, in various distrcits of Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Home Affairs said.   The drill, titled 'Operation Shield', is scheduled to begin at 5 pm. 

The development comes days after similar mock drills were held across the nation to assess readiness during emergencies like war, missile attacks, or aerial strikes. These drills were conducted just hours before India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, which targeted nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack.  The seocnd drill aims to assess emergency preparedness and address gaps identified during the first exercise held on May 7.   

 

 

What will happen during the mock drill?

Civil defence drills are designed to test the strengths and gaps in emergency preparedness, simulating scenarios like coordinated terror attacks, missile strikes, etc. The ministry has directed the civil defence forces, and other participants to practice the following:  

• Silent recall of volunteers and civil defence wardens
• Simulated air raids by enemy drones and aircraft
• Activation of air raid sirens and emergency communication hotlines
• Full-scale blackout procedures near vital installations
• Mass casualty and evacuation drills, including the movement of 20 civilians from a mock military drone strike zone
• Blood donation mobilization to meet emergency medical needs
• Simulated military operations, including the de-induction and redeployment of Border Wing Home Guards alongside Indian Army units

Participants typically include state disaster response teams, local police, fire services, medical personnel, and civil defence volunteers.

 

 

What should you do during mock drills?

 

• Follow only official updates from authorities
• Stay calm and avoid panic, even if sirens go off or blackouts are implemented
• Comply with directions from police, civil defence officials, or authorised volunteers
• Avoid areas sealed off for the drills
• Keep an emergency kit ready with drinking water, a flashlight, and first-aid supplies

Rajasthan, Gujarat postpone drill

While the mock drill was to be conducted on May 29 in Rajasthan and Gujarat as well, both the states have delayed it citing administrative reasons. In a statement, the Gujarat Information Department said, “It is hereby intimated that the Civil Defence Exercise "Operation Shield", which was planned to be held on 29.05.2025 is hereby postponed due to administrative reasons. It is requested that necessary directions to all the Controllers of Civil Defence and other stakeholders, may be issued accordingly. Next dates for the exercise shall be issued subsequently.”  Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Home Department stated, "It is hereby intimated that the Civil Defence Exercise "Operation Shield", which was planned to be held on 29.05.2025 is hereby postponed due to administrative reasons. It is requested that necessary directions to all the Controllers of Civil Defence and other stakeholders, may be issued accordingly. Next dates for the exercise shall be issued subsequently."