Gandhinagar: Security agencies are set to conduct comprehensive drills in Gujarat and other states sharing a border with Pakistan on May 31. The operation will be carried out in Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir, with a focus on enhancing preparedness and raising awareness in areas vulnerable to cross-border threats.

The decision comes after a recent postponement of similar drills that were originally planned for Thursday. The Ministry of Home Affairs, in an official order today, stated that it “has decided to hold the 2nd Civil Defence Exercise ‘Operation Shield’ in all the districts of States/UTs adjoining the western border of the country on 31.05.2025.”

This announcement follows observations from the first round of the exercise, conducted on May 7, 2025, which revealed significant gaps in the civil defence preparedness of vulnerable regions. In response, the ministry issued necessary directives, invoked emergency powers, and arranged funding through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

During the 2nd Civil Defence Exercise, the following contingencies are planned to be practiced:

(a) General/silent recall of Civil Defence Wardens/Volunteers, including stakeholders from local administration and youth volunteers such as NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts & Guides, to man various services and assist civil administration in implementing civil defence measures.

(b) Simulation of air raids involving enemy aircraft, drones, and missile attacks.

(c) Activation of hotlines between the Air Force and Civil Defence Control Rooms (RCDCC/SCDCC/TCDCCs), along with activation of centrally controlled and operated air raid sirens.

(d) Execution of complete blackout measures in areas adjoining civilian Vulnerable Areas/Vulnerable Points (VA/VPs), excluding emergency and critical services.

(e) Simulation of a military station being attacked by a swarm of enemy drones, requiring assistance from the Station Commander to coordinate with civil administration for the evacuation of families to safer areas. A mock evacuation of 20 victims will also be practiced.

(f) In view of mass casualties, augmentation of medical teams and the procurement of 30 units of blood for the injured will be simulated.

(g) As part of the Rear Area Security Plan, the Indian Army will request the immediate deployment of Border Wing Home Guards alongside designated units of the Armed Forces. This will include the simulation of de-induction from current assignments and mobilization to operational locations with the Indian Army.

The ministry has urged participating states—Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh—to fully mobilize their resources and ensure the success of the drill.

This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening internal security and enhancing public safety through robust preparedness measures. DeshGujarat