India to Resume Civil Defence Drills in Border States; Haryana Launches ‘Operation Shield’

New Delhi: Civil defence mock drills are scheduled to resume this Thursday on May 29, across four Indian states bordering Pakistan — Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir. The exercises are part of a broader preparedness initiative following recent security developments in the region.

In a separate move, the Haryana government will conduct a state-wide civil defence exercise, titled “Operation Shield,” on May 29, across all 22 districts. The drills will begin at 5 PM, and are aimed at testing the state's emergency preparedness and improving coordination among government agencies, security forces, and local communities.

According to Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), the exercise will include the participation of civil defence wardens, registered volunteers, and members of youth organisations such as the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and Bharat Scouts and Guides. A 15-minute controlled blackout will be observed from 8 PM in designated areas, excluding essential services like hospitals, fire stations, and police stations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier instructed 244 districts to conduct similar exercises as part of Operation Abhyaas, initiated in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.

Speaking at a rally in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on May 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referenced Operation Sindoor, stating that Indian forces had targeted nine terrorist hideouts and documented the operation to maintain transparency. He noted a shift in the nature of the conflict, suggesting that recent developments indicated a more direct engagement.