The central government, on Wednesday, announced that the May 29 civil defence mock drill, named Operation Shield, in Gujarat and other states bordering Pakistan had been postponed. For administrative reasons, the exercise, which was intended to increase readiness against any cross-border attacks, was postponed.
Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir—regions that recently experienced heavy bombardment during a four-day battle along the western frontier—were to host the exercise. According to officials, new dates will be announced soon, and Civil Defence Controllers and associated agencies will receive the required instructions as they become available.
The primary goals of Operation Shield include testing air raid warning systems and control rooms, as well as assessing the preparedness of important civil defence services such as warden units, firefighting teams, rescue squads, depot operations, and evacuation procedures. The planned exercise also included simulated air raids and blackouts, with individuals expected to willingly participate by registering on the official webpage.
In Gujarat, all districts were to participate in drills that focused on how to defend civilians in the case of an aerial attack. Additionally, the state administration promoted civic engagement by encouraging citizens to sign up as civil defence volunteers.
In order to coordinate its practice with the National Disaster Response Force’s (NDRF) ongoing training program, Punjab has already suggested June 3 as the new date. According to a senior police officer, Punjab’s plan has been authorised by the Centre, and all deputy commissioners in the state have been instructed to make sure the drill is carried out in every district.
