‘Operation Shield’: Why blackout drills are being held in border states and what will they entail – Check details

Civil defence mock drills under Operation Shield to May 31, 2025

The Indian government has announced the rescheduling of the civil defence mock drills under Operation Shield to May 31, 2025, following a postponement from the original date of May 29. The drills will take place across vulnerable states and union territories bordering Pakistan, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir as well as Chandigarh.

What is Operation Shield?

Operation Shield is a nationwide civil defense exercise aimed at assessing and enhancing India's preparedness against aerial threats such as air raids, drone attacks, and missile strikes. These drills involve coordinated efforts among local administrations, police, military, and civil defense units to simulate emergency response scenarios. Activities will include activating air raid sirens, conducting communication drills with the Indian Air Force, and implementing blackout measures in designated areas.

Why the postponement?

The original date of May 29 was postponed due to "administrative reasons," as confirmed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Although specific details were not disclosed, such delays are typically due to logistical challenges or the need for better coordination among participating agencies. The new date of May 31 allows for improved preparation and ensures the smooth execution of the drills.

What to expect on May 31

As part of the mock drill, preparedness would be tested on how to face air raids from enemy aircraft, drones, missile attacks, among other things. Here’s what to expect:

- Activation of air raid sirens to test alert systems and ensure timely warnings.

- Communication drills simulating coordination between civil authorities and the Indian Air Force.

- Blackout measures involving controlled power outages in specific areas to simulate wartime conditions.

- Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about emergency procedures and safety protocols.

- Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate during the drills. Residents are advised to follow safety instructions and avoid spreading rumors.

Previous drill and observations

The last nationwide civil defence mock drill, codenamed Operation Abhyaas, took place on May 7, 2025, across 244 districts in India. This extensive exercise aimed to bolster civilian readiness against potential hostile threats, particularly in response to escalating tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025.

The drill revealed several shortcomings in emergency response protocols, highlighting the need for follow-up exercises like Operation Shield to address these gaps. Based on the findings, the Ministry issued directives on May 9 to correct the deficiencies, invoking emergency powers and arranging funding support through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).