Chandigarh (National Times): The Punjab government will carry out its second civil defence mock drill, titled ‘Operation Shield’, on Friday, May 31 at 6 PM, across districts adjoining the western border, a state spokesperson confirmed.
As part of the statewide preparedness exercise, a complete blackout will be observed in civilian vulnerable zones and key strategic points, barring critical and emergency services. The drill will also include air raid sirens being sounded as a simulation of wartime emergency measures.
The mock drill is being conducted under the authority of Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, following directives issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The exercise aims to bolster the state’s civil defence response amid growing national security concerns, especially after the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
This marks the second such drill, with the first one conducted earlier on May 7. Similar operations are being organized in other border regions including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir.
The mock drill was originally scheduled for May 30, but Punjab’s home department deferred the date due to ongoing training of civil defence volunteers by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). While the department initially postponed the drill to June 3, it has now been rescheduled and will take place on May 31.
The state government urges the public to cooperate during the brief blackout and simulation period, emphasizing that such drills are crucial to preparing both authorities and citizens for any real-time emergency.
