Operation Shield is a large-scale civil defence mock drill organized to enhance emergency preparedness against potential threats such as enemy aircraft, drones, and missile attacks. The exercise aims to test and strengthen the readiness of civil authorities, emergency services, and local populations in India's border regions.
Operation Shield: Date and Time
- Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
- Time: From 5:00 PM (1700 hours) onwards
- The exact timing may vary slightly by district or local convenience, but the official commencement is at 5:00 PM.
Operation Shield: Participating States and Union Territories
Operation Shield will be conducted across all districts in Indian states and Union Territories bordering Pakistan:
- Punjab
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Rajasthan
- Gujarat
- Haryana
- Chandigarh
अमृतसर में 'ऑपरेशन शील्ड' के तहत मॉक ड्रिल का आयोजन किया जा रहा है..#OperationShield pic.twitter.com/6orm09LSRN
— Aditya Ranjan 🇮🇳 (@adityaranjan108) May 31, 2025
Key Activities
- Activation of air raid sirens
- Blackout protocols in civilian areas
- Mock evacuation drills
- Emergency communication tests
- Involvement of Civil Defence, NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts & Guides
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Special Notes
- The drill was initially planned for May 29 but was rescheduled to May 31, 2025, due to administrative reasons.
- In Punjab, the state government has proposed June 3 as the new date for the drill, due to ongoing training with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The Centre has accepted this request, so the blackout and drills in Punjab will occur on June 3, 2025, instead of May 31, 2025.
| State/UT | Date | Time |
| Jammu & Kashmir | May 31, 2025 | 5:00 PM onwards |
| Rajasthan | May 31, 2025 | 5:00 PM onwards |
| Gujarat | May 31, 2025 | 5:00 PM onwards |
| Haryana | May 31, 2025 | 5:00 PM onwards |
| Chandigarh | May 31, 2025 | 5:00 PM onwards |
| Punjab | June 3, 2025 | 5:00 PM onwards |
Residents in these regions are advised to follow blackout instructions and participate in the drills as directed by local authorities.
Purpose and Significance
The main objective of Operation Shield is to try and enhance India's civil defence mechanisms at vulnerable border regions so that authorities and the public alike are ready to face any cross-border emergencies. The exercise is a prompt reaction to recent tensions and experiences gained from previous drills, and it focuses on cooperation and awareness on the part of the public during such situations.
People residing in affected areas are advised to:
- Turn off all lights and outside lighting during the blackout phase
- Seek refuge at home, ideally on ground floors of safe rooms
- Stay calm and be guided by local instructions
Operation Shield is a proactive initiative to enhance national security readiness in response to changing external threats.
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