*Breaking: Mock Drill in Punjab on May 31; The time of the Civil Defence Exercise 'Operation Shield' announced
*Punjab to Conduct 2nd Civil Defence Exercise 'Operation Shield' on May 31, 2025**
Chandigarh, May 29, 2025 – The Punjab Home Guards & Civil Defence Department has announced that the 2nd Civil Defence Exercise, codenamed "Operation Shield," will be conducted across all districts of Punjab on May 31, 2025, at 1800 hours ( 6 pm ) . This follows the directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, as outlined in a letter dated May 29, 2025, from the Directorate General of Fire Service, Civil Defence & Home Guards.
The exercise, initially scheduled for May 29, 2025, was postponed due to the ongoing training of Punjab’s civil defence staff with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The rescheduled drill aims to enhance civil defence preparedness against potential hostile attacks, particularly in states and Union Territories along India’s western border, including Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
"Operation Shield" will focus on several critical contingencies, including:
- Mobilization of Civil Defence Wardens, volunteers, local administration, and youth organizations such as NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts & Guides to support civil defence measures.
- Simulation of air raids, drone attacks, and missile strikes by enemy forces.
- Activation of hotlines between Air Force and Civil Defence Control Rooms, along with centrally controlled air raid sirens.
- Implementation of blackout measures in civilian areas, excluding emergency and critical services.
- Simulation of evacuating 20 victims from a military station attacked by enemy drones to a safer location.
- Augmentation of medical teams and securing 30 units of blood for mass injury scenarios.
- Mobilization of Border Wing Home Guards to support the Indian Army’s Rear Area Security plan.
The exercise follows the first Civil Defence Exercise held on May 7, 2025, which identified critical gaps in preparedness. To address these, emergency powers were invoked, and funding was arranged through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The Punjab Home Guards & Civil Defence Department has instructed all Deputy Commissioners to organize the mock drill using available resources and submit an Action-Taken Report.
District Commanders of Punjab Home Guards have been directed to coordinate with Civil Defence Controllers and ensure the timely release of Second Liaison Officers from training at the Central Training Institute (CTI), Sundraan, Mohali, by May 30, 2025, to facilitate the smooth execution of the exercise. The directive, issued with the approval of the Special Director General of Police, Home Guards & Director, Civil Defence, Punjab, has also been communicated to key stakeholders, including the Chief Secretary of Punjab, the Additional Chief Secretary of Home Affairs, and the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards.
This exercise underscores Punjab’s commitment to strengthening emergency preparedness in response to heightened security concerns along the western border, ensuring coordinated efforts among civil administration, defence forces, and community stakeholders.