Aimed at testing response against possible hostile attacks
Bivek Mathur
JAMMU, May 29: The Civil Defence mock drill, “Operation Shield”, planned to be conducted across four States and Union Territories (UTs) bordering Pakistan, will now be conducted on May 31.
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Earlier, the mock drills were planned to be conducted in all the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat on May 29, but they were later postponed that day due to some “administrative reasons”.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the Civil Defence exercise, codenamed as Operation Shield, will now be held on May 31 across all districts in States and Union Territories bordering Pakistan,” read an official communication issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
It said the exercise will begin at 5 pm, with timing adjustments permitted as per local convenience.
Sources said the mock drill in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Baramulla and Kupwara districts.
As per the recent communication issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the upcoming drill aimed to enhance readiness against potential hostile attacks.
“It will stimulate various emergency scenarios, including silent recall of Civil Defence wardens, deployment of youth volunteers from organisations like NCC, NSS, NYKS and Bharat Scouts & Guides and mock air raids involving enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles,” the communication said.
It added that hotlines between the Air Force and Civil Defence Control Rooms will also be activated during the exercise, along with centrally controlled air raid sirens.
Besides, full blackout measures will also be implemented in designated civilian areas, excluding emergency services like hospitals.
The communication further said that one major simulation will involve a military station being attacked by enemy drones, prompting evacuation of families to safer locations.
“A mock evacuation of 20 people to safer areas will be carried out to test readiness,” it said.
Additionally, the drill will include mass casualty management, involving augmented medical teams and provision of 30 units of blood for the injured.
As part of the rear area security planning, it said, the Indian Army will request immediate deployment of Border Wing Home Guards, requiring simulated de-induction from the current assignments.
All the district administrations have been, as such, instructed to organise the drill in coordination with local stakeholders and submit an action-taken report afterward.
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