In response to escalating border tensions and national security concerns, the Haryana government has launched Operation Shield—a state-wide civil defence drill aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Scheduled for May 29, 2025, this simulation exercise spans all 22 districts of Haryana and includes a series of activities designed to test the readiness of civil authorities, defence volunteers, and the public in wartime and emergency scenarios.
Objectives of Operation Shield
Operation Shield has been conceptualized with a clear focus on preparedness, training, and community coordination. The core objectives include:
- Enhancing Emergency Readiness: Testing the capacity of government agencies to respond to aerial attacks, blackouts, and public safety crises.
- Engaging Youth and Volunteers: Involving organizations such as NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts and Guides in emergency simulation roles.
- Improving Coordination: Assessing communication and operational coordination between district administrations, law enforcement, and civil defence volunteers.
Key Highlights of the Drill
1. Statewide Implementation
The drill will be simultaneously conducted across all 22 districts of Haryana. Activities will commence at 5:00 PM and conclude by 9:00 PM.
2. 15-Minute Controlled Blackout
A mock blackout will take place from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM. The blackout will be observed near sensitive installations while ensuring uninterrupted operations in hospitals, emergency services, and law enforcement agencies.
3. Air Raid Simulation
Civil sirens will be activated to simulate the threat of air raids, prompting district and village-level emergency response actions. These exercises will help familiarize citizens and officials with wartime protocol.
4. Volunteer Mobilization
Thousands of youth volunteers will participate in the operation. Their roles include assisting in mock evacuations, guiding citizens during sirens, and managing blackout zones.
5. Communication and Infrastructure Testing
The drill will also evaluate the robustness of emergency communication networks, wireless systems, and rapid coordination mechanisms between departments.
Strategic Importance Amidst Security Tensions
The timing of Operation Shield is critical. Recent military operations, including deep-strike precision missions across the border, have elevated the threat perception along India’s northwestern frontier. Haryana, sharing proximity to border-sensitive states, is proactively investing in preparedness drills to strengthen civil defence systems.
The civil defence exercise serves multiple purposes:
- Demonstrating Readiness: It assures citizens that the government is alert and equipped for crisis management.
- Boosting Morale and Awareness: By involving civil society, the operation empowers communities with practical knowledge.
- Identifying Gaps: It provides an opportunity to audit and improve emergency infrastructure and response timelines.
Final Thoughts
Operation Shield represents a commendable step in Haryana’s journey toward building a resilient and responsive civil safety ecosystem. In an era where threats can be both conventional and unconventional, proactive simulation drills like these are essential. Beyond tactical readiness, they foster a spirit of unity, awareness, and preparedness among citizens.
By simulating real-world threats and training civilians alongside professionals, Haryana is setting a benchmark for state-level emergency preparedness in India.
References
- Indiatimes – Rajasthan-Gujarat civil defence drill under Operation Shield postponed; Haryana to go ahead with mock drill on May 29
- New Indian Express – Haryana to conduct state-wide civil defence drill ‘Operation Shield’ on May 29 to boost emergency preparedness
- SSBCrackExams – Civil Defence Mock Drill ‘Operation Shield’ to Strengthen Preparedness Along India-Pakistan Border
- India TV News – Haryana to observe 15-minute blackout across 22 districts during civil defence mock drill on Thursday
