Haryana and Rajasthan to Conduct Operation Shield on May 29; Punjab Reschedules to June 3

In a significant move to bolster emergency preparedness across the northern region, Haryana and Rajasthan are all set to carry out a large-scale civil defence mock drill titled “Operation Shield” on May 29. Meanwhile, Punjab has opted to reschedule its participation to June 3 due to an ongoing critical training session.

The nationwide drill aims to evaluate and improve the operational readiness of states in the face of potential emergencies such as air raids or natural disasters. According to the plan, sirens will blare across Haryana and Rajasthan, signaling the start of the exercise. Emergency response systems will be activated and tested to their limits, while communication channels—particularly hotlines between state control rooms and the Indian Air Force—will undergo rigorous evaluation.

One of the distinctive features of this drill will be a brief but strategic blackout from 8:00 to 8:15 pm. This controlled blackout will be enforced in areas surrounding key infrastructure, but essential services such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations will continue to operate without disruption.

In Punjab, however, the mock drill originally scheduled for Thursday has been postponed. Special DGP Sanjeev Kalra, who also holds the position of Commandant General of Home Guards and Director of Civil Defence, conveyed this decision in an urgent communication to the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence, and Home Guards in New Delhi.

The reason for the deferral is the ongoing Training of Trainers (TOT) program being conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for civil defence personnel. The training, seen as crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of the upcoming exercise, will now culminate before the mock drill takes place in Punjab on June 3 at 7:30 pm.

DGP Kalra emphasized that the TOT program is vital for ensuring that civil defence teams are fully equipped, both technically and mentally, to handle the drill as realistically and efficiently as possible.

The decision reflects a careful balance between preparedness and training, showing a strong commitment to ensuring that all personnel involved are thoroughly trained before participating in such a critical exercise. As the region gears up for “Operation Shield,” the coordinated efforts by these states demonstrate a proactive approach to safeguarding lives and infrastructure in the face of unforeseen threats.