As a part of 'Operation Shield' in a number of border states and Union Territories bordering Pakistan, mock civil defence drills will be organized this Saturday as part of an important step towards enhancing national security preparedness.
The exercises will start at 5:00 p.m. and will cover mainly the regions nearest to the border that share maximum vulnerability to cross-border attacks, including Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
Initially scheduled for May 29, the exercises were rescheduled because of administrative grounds, a May 29 government press release clarified. The announcement also emphasized the importance of these exercises in filling gaps that were discovered in the course of an earlier countrywide exercise conducted on May 7.
'Operation Shield' will replicate hostile situations like air raid alarms, blackouts, and emergency response operations to gauge the preparedness of civil authorities, emergency responders, and residents.
The drills are intended to replicate real-time situations that may arise from perceived external threats, especially in sensitive areas along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB).
Authorities mentioned that recognized vulnerable civilian locales in Punjab will have total blackouts during the exercises, with exemptions provided only to essential facilities such as hospitals and emergency facilities. Warning sirens will be blown to notify the public, and simulated emergency response will be conducted to evaluate community and agency coordination effectiveness under duress.
Government officials noted that the previous nationwide drill revealed some operational vulnerabilities, which necessitated special follow-up drills in high-risk border areas.
The initiative underscores the government's determination to strengthening civil defense infrastructure against continued regional security threats.
The exercises are anticipated to enhance interagency coordination, increase public knowledge, and improve the capability of local systems to react efficiently and effectively against any hostile attacks or natural calamities affecting border regions.
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