Operation Shield: Mock drills in J&K, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan and Chandigarh - Know date, timing, activities & more

Operation Shield date & timing: Security agencies are all set to carry out Operation Shield, a large-scale mock drill, across six states and Union Territories (UTs) in India. This will be the second phase of the Civil Defence Exercise, designed to improve emergency response and public safety in areas near the Pakistan border.

Let¡¯s take a closer look at the date, timings, participating states, and what will happen during the drill.

Operation Shield details

• Date: 31 May 2025
• Timings: 5:00 PM onwards
• States/UTs: Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan and Chandigarh
• Purpose: Enhance emergency response and community readiness
• Involvement: Civil Defence, NCC, NSS, NYKS, Bharat Scouts & Guides
• Main activities: Evacuation drills, sirens, communication tests, hotline activation

When is Operation Shield? Check Date and Timings

The mock drill, named Operation Shield, is scheduled to take place on 31 May 2025, starting at 5:00 PM onwards. However, the timings may vary slightly depending on local convenience, as mentioned in a press release issued on 29 May 2025.

States and UTs Participating in Operation Shield

This mock drill will be conducted across districts close to the India-Pakistan border. The six participating states and UTs include:

• Punjab
• Jammu and Kashmir
• Gujarat
• Haryana
• Rajasthan
• Chandigarh

These regions are considered sensitive due to their proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) and are often vulnerable to cross-border threats. The goal of Operation Shield is to strengthen coordination among security forces and improve local response capabilities.

Why Operation Shield is Being Conducted

Operation Shield is a follow-up to the first Civil Defence Exercise held on 7 May 2025, just before Operation Sindoor ¨C India¡¯s military action in response to a terrorist attack. The recent drills aim to enhance alertness, community engagement, and readiness in case of real emergencies.

According to Umesh Sharma, Assistant Director General of Civil Defence, all local administrations and stakeholders are encouraged to fully participate and share an action report after the drill is completed.

Who Will Be Involved in the Mock Drill

A wide range of organisations and volunteers will take part in the drill. Participants include:

• Civil Defence Wardens
• Civil Defence Volunteers
• Youth groups like NCC (National Cadet Corps), NSS (National Service Scheme), NYKS (Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan), and Bharat Scouts & Guides

This collective effort shows the importance of involving the community in national safety and defence measures.

Activities Planned During Operation Shield

The mock drill will include various simulated emergency scenarios to test the preparedness of all involved. Some of the main activities are:

• Silent and general recall of Civil Defence volunteers
• Evacuation drills
• Emergency communication tests
• Activation of hotlines between the Air Force and Civil Defence Control Rooms
• Use of air raid sirens controlled from central hubs

These activities aim to ensure that, in the event of a real threat, the response can be quick, organised, and effective.

Operation Shield in the Context of Operation Sindoor

The timing of Operation Shield is notable, as it comes after Operation Sindoor, India¡¯s military strike on April 22, 2025, in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed. In that operation, the Indian Armed Forces carried out targeted attacks on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

From May 7 to 10, India witnessed four days of heightened military tension, including shelling and attempted drone attacks by Pakistan. This backdrop further explains why Operation Shield and its mock drills are critical for national preparedness.

What to Expect on 31 May

Residents living in the above-mentioned states and UTs should not panic on 31 May when they hear air raid sirens or see evacuation exercises in progress. These are part of Operation Shield, a planned mock drill to keep everyone prepared for any emergency.

Security agencies urge full cooperation from the public, local officials, and volunteers to ensure the success of the exercise.

Stay informed, stay safe. Operation Shield is about strengthening our nation's defence¡ªtogether.

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