Chandigarh, May 29, 2025: The Punjab Home Guards & Civil Defence Department has officially announced the second edition of the Civil Defence Exercise “Operation Shield” to be conducted across all districts of the state on May 31, 2025, at 6:00 PM. This follows a fresh directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, on May 29, 2025.
Initially planned for May 29, the exercise was postponed due to concurrent training of Punjab’s civil defence personnel with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The upcoming drill is designed to enhance preparedness against potential hostile attacks, specifically in border states including Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
Key features of ‘Operation Shield’ include:
Mobilization of Civil Defence Wardens, volunteers, and youth organizations such as NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts & Guides.
Simulated emergency scenarios including air raids, missile strikes, and drone attacks.
Coordination between Air Force and Civil Defence Control Rooms via hotline communication, along with activation of air raid sirens.
Execution of blackout protocols in civilian areas—excluding emergency services.
Simulation of evacuation of 20 injured personnel from a mock military drone strike site.
Deployment of augmented medical teams and stocking of 30 blood units to manage mass casualty scenarios.
Mobilization of Border Wing Home Guards to reinforce the Rear Area Security plan of the Indian Army.
The first “Operation Shield” was held on May 7, 2025, and revealed several preparedness gaps. In response, emergency protocols were strengthened and funds were allocated through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
The Home Guards Department has instructed all Deputy Commissioners to conduct the drill using existing district resources and submit Action-Taken Reports post-exercise. Additionally, District Commanders have been told to ensure the release of Second Liaison Officers from training at CTI Sundraan, Mohali, by May 30 to support the smooth rollout of the drill.
Approved by the Special DGP Home Guards & Director, Civil Defence, Punjab, the plan has been communicated to senior government and defence authorities including the Chief Secretary, ACS Home, and the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards.
This coordinated mock drill signifies Punjab’s reinforced commitment to public safety, emergency readiness, and inter-agency synergy amidst growing border security concerns.
