Srinagar, May 28 (KNO): Along with four states, the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Chandigarh are also set to participate in the Civil Defence Exercise, 'Operation Shield,' on Thursday, the government said.
According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the exercise is part of a nationwide initiative under the Ministry of Home Affairs to enhance the civil defence preparedness along India’s western border states.
This mock drill will be conducted across various districts of Jammu & Kashmir and will also involve neighbouring states, including Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
"The exercise aims to test and improve responses to potential threats such as air raids, missile attacks, and drone strikes. It will simulate a range of emergency situations, including the recall of Civil Defence wardens, volunteers, and youth groups like NCC and NSS to assist local administration in implementing defence measures," the circular states.
One key scenario will simulate an attack on a military station by enemy drones, requiring civil administration support to evacuate families to safer locations.
Medical teams will also be augmented to handle mass injuries, and there will be a demonstration of emergency response coordination between civil defence control rooms and the Air Force.
The exercise will begin at 5 PM and will engage local authorities, military units, and civil volunteers in the implementation of various defensive measures.
The Directorate General Fire Service Civil Defence & Home Guards (DGFS-CDHG) has directed all district civil defence departments to coordinate the event, which is expected to involve several key stakeholders from local administrations, youth organizations, and emergency services.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has said that the exercise is crucial for enhancing preparedness in vulnerable areas, particularly following the first civil defence exercise held in May, where critical gaps were identified and addressed.
In addition to the recall of Civil Defence wardens and volunteers, there will be a mock evacuation of civilians and a demonstration of medical preparedness, including the requirement of 30 units of blood for mass casualties. The exercise will also involve coordination between civil defence and military forces to strengthen response measures for any hostile attack.
The exercise will be monitored by Umesh Sharma, Additional Director General of Civil Defence, who issued the official directive for the event.
Earlier on May 5, 2025, the Government of India had announced nationwide civil defence mock drills, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead.
These drills were scheduled for May 7, 2025, just 24 hours before Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military strike on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK—(KNO)