‘Operation Shield’: Check the names of states and date when it will be carried out? Check blackout timings and…
A civil defence practice drill called ‘Operation Shield’ was supposed to happen on Thursday in several border states and Union Territories, but it has been postponed because of some administrative issues. While Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab have announced new dates for the drill, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, and Chandigarh have not yet shared their rescheduled plans.
This drill was planned after tensions rose with Pakistan due to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, where 26 people lost their lives. Following that, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, striking terror camps at nine places in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The conflict got worse over four days, from May 7 to May 10, with India hitting Pakistani military bases. In return, Pakistan shelled areas along the Line of Control and the international border, and also tried to attack important targets in the western sector using drones and missiles.
Operation Shield blackout time
The government has announced that the civil defence mock drill, Operation Shield, will take place on May 31 starting from 5:00 PM in districts near the border with Pakistan. The main goal is to improve readiness and awareness in these border areas, which face the highest risk of cross-border threats.
The announcement also mentioned that the last drill showed some weaknesses. This time, the exercise aims to fix those gaps and strengthen civil defence against possible attacks.
According to sources, quoted by PTI, the exercise will include the activation of centrally controlled air raid sirens, blackout protocols in civilian areas, and mock evacuation of families from military stations in the event of a drone strike. The drills will also involve the deployment of medical teams, transportation of blood units, and other emergency response measures.
During the drill, civil defence wardens, volunteers, local officials, and youth groups like NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts & Guides will take part. They will practice different safety measures to protect against attacks by enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles.
In addition, a full blackout will be enforced in nearby civilian areas, except for emergency and important services, to simulate real conditions during an attack.
State-wise dates of Operation Shield
The Civil Defence Department in Rajasthan has directed all district collectors and magistrates to carry out a state-wide blackout and safety drill on the evening of Saturday, May 31, according to a PTI report.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has rescheduled the Operation Shield mock drill to June 3. The delay is due to ongoing training of civil defence teams with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), PTI added.
In Gujarat, the new date for the drill has not been confirmed yet. An official statement from the Gujarat Information Department said that the previously planned drill on May 29 was postponed due to administrative reasons. Authorities have been asked to wait for fresh instructions regarding the rescheduled exercise.
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