India is set to conduct large-scale civil defence mock drills on May 29, 2025, across four border states—Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir—as part of Operation Abhyaas. These exercises aim to bolster emergency preparedness amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following recent terror incidents and military operations. Simultaneously, Haryana will implement its own statewide drill, Operation Shield, focusing on community engagement and strategic readiness.
Operation Abhyaas: Strengthening Border State Preparedness
Initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Operation Abhyaas encompasses civil defence drills in 244 districts nationwide, with a particular emphasis on border regions. The upcoming exercises in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir will simulate wartime scenarios, including blackout simulations, air raid sirens, and evacuation procedures. These measures are designed to enhance civilian readiness and coordination among emergency services in the event of cross-border threats or terrorist activities. Indiatimes+3Indiatimes+3Indiatimes+3
The drills follow the recent Operation Sindoor, a swift military action that reportedly neutralized nine terrorist hideouts in under 22 minutes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this operation during a rally in Gandhinagar, emphasizing India’s commitment to national security and its readiness to respond decisively to threats. Indiatimes+1The Economic Times+1
Haryana’s Operation Shield: Community-Centric Emergency Response
On the same day, Haryana will conduct Operation Shield, a comprehensive civil defence exercise across all 22 districts. Scheduled to commence at 5 PM, the drill will involve civil defence volunteers, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and Bharat Scouts and Guides. A key component of the exercise is a 15-minute controlled blackout at 8 PM near vital installations, excluding essential services like hospitals and police stations. Indiatimes
Operation Shield aims to enhance coordination between civil authorities and local communities, ensuring a swift and organized response during emergencies. By involving various community organizations, the exercise seeks to foster a culture of preparedness and resilience among citizens.Indiatimes
Nationwide Implications and Public Participation
These drills are part of a broader initiative to revitalize India’s civil defence mechanisms, marking the most extensive such effort since the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Earlier this month, Operation Abhyaas was conducted in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, involving activities such as air raid siren tests, blackout simulations, and evacuation drills. The exercises engaged thousands of participants, including emergency responders, civil defence volunteers, and the general public. Wikipedia
In Delhi, for instance, 60 air raid sirens were activated across 55 locations, prompting coordinated evacuation rehearsals. Similarly, in Hyderabad, the mock drill involved multiple civil defence services, including police, fire, rescue, medical, and municipal departments. These exercises emphasized the importance of public awareness and participation in emergency preparedness.Wikipedia
Conclusion
As India continues to face security challenges, the implementation of Operation Abhyaas and Operation Shield underscores the nation’s commitment to enhancing civil defence capabilities. By conducting these comprehensive drills, the government aims to ensure that both authorities and citizens are well-prepared to respond effectively to emergencies, thereby strengthening national resilience.
