A large-scale civil defence mock drill ”Operation Shield’ is set to take place in four key Indian states bordering Pakistan — Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Jammu & Kashmir. This preparedness exercise comes in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 tourists were killed, and marks the first such nationwide civil drill initiative since the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
The Home Ministry had earlier ordered mock drills in 244 districts across India on May 7 — the same day India launched Operation Sindoor to target terror infrastructure across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The aim of these drills is to assess how quickly and effectively the civil and defence apparatus can respond to emergency scenarios such as air raids, terrorist strikes, and wartime contingencies.
Key components of today’s drill include the activation of air raid sirens to test response systems and blackout protocols. In areas near the Line of Control, like Uri in Kashmir, community bunkers have been prepared, and school children in border towns like Arnia have already undergone evacuation drills.
Safety protocols also focus on protecting vital infrastructure such as military and paramilitary installations, hospitals, and communication hubs. Civil defence teams will collaborate with local institutions to educate civilians, students, and staff on emergency SOPs, evacuation methods, and shelter locations.
Officials urge residents in affected areas to remain calm, follow instructions during siren tests, and treat the drill with seriousness, as it is designed to strengthen the nation’s civilian defence posture amid heightened regional tensions.
