SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the second Civil Defence Exercise, titled Operation Shield, will be conducted on May 31, 2025, across all districts of states and Union Territories adjoining the western border of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir.
According to an order issued by the ADG Civil Defence, the exercise is being conducted under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, to bolster preparedness against potential hostile attacks. This follows the first Civil Defence Exercise held on May 7, 2025, which identified and addressed several critical preparedness gaps in vulnerable areas.
The upcoming drill will include a range of simulations, such as general/silent recall of civil defence volunteers, air raids from enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles, activation of hotlines between the Air Force and Civil Defence Control Rooms, and centrally controlled air raid sirens.
It will also feature blackout measures in civilian areas, simulated drone attacks on military stations, and evacuation exercises, including the relocation of 20 mock victims to safer locations. Additionally, mass casualty management will be practised, including the arrangement of 30 units of blood and the deployment of medical teams.
As part of the Rear Area Security Plan, the Indian Army has requested the immediate deployment of Border Wing Home Guards alongside designated units of the Armed Forces. De-induction and mobilisation drills will also simulate troop movements to operational locations.
All district authorities have been directed to conduct the drill at 1700 hours on May 31, in coordination with the local administration, youth volunteers including the NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts & Guides, and to submit action reports thereafter.
The order has been sent to key officials including the Union Home Secretary, NDMA, NDRF, Ministry of Youth Affairs, and Chief Secretaries/Administrators of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh. They have been instructed to ensure smooth planning and execution of the exercise in all concerned districts.
The mock drill was originally scheduled for 29 May but was postponed due to administrative issues. (JKNS)
