Punjab and Haryana will hold extensive mock drills on Saturday under the nationwide security exercise, Operation Shield, officials announced on Friday. These drills aim to evaluate the preparedness of local authorities and residents in managing emergencies such as attacks or disasters.

Operation Shield: Details of the Drill

In Punjab, the drill will start at 6 PM and will cover all districts, simulating large-scale emergency situations. Sanjeev Kalra, Special Director General of Police, emphasized the involvement of all border districts along the western frontier. The exercise will include sirens, blackouts, and emergency response actions to mimic real crisis conditions.

Kalra stated, “This mock drill involves fire services, rescue teams, and participation from armed forces to ensure a comprehensive test of our readiness.”

Haryana’s Preparations and Volunteer Involvement

Similarly, Haryana is preparing for the mock drill scheduled to begin at 5 PM on Saturday. Sunita Mishra, Haryana Joint Secretary, confirmed that the exercise will follow guidelines set by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Around 32,000 volunteers will participate across Haryana, including training and briefings to support the drill’s smooth execution. Mishra added, “This drill is crucial to prepare us for any future emergencies.”

Postponements in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh

The civil defence exercise in Gujarat, originally planned for May 29, has been postponed due to administrative reasons. The Gujarat Information Department announced that the new dates will be shared later. Similar postponements have been made in Rajasthan and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Gujarat’s Focus on Civil Security

Earlier, under the direction of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat’s civil defence exercise was planned for May 29. Chief Secretary Jayanti Ravi reviewed district-level preparations, instructing officials to ensure the readiness of local administrations.

She highlighted key activities such as mobilizing youth volunteers from NCC, NSS, and Bharat Scouts, setting up communication hotlines between the Air Force and Civil Security Control Rooms, activating air raid sirens, enforcing blackouts, and safeguarding public safety and property.

Background: Operation Sindoor

Operation Shield follows the larger security framework of Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). This operation was a response to the terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which caused 26 deaths, including one Nepalese citizen.