India Conducts Massive Civil Defence Drills Post-Operation Sindoor; “Operation Shield” Set for Haryana
New Delhi, May 29 (The Trending People): India is set to conduct large-scale civil defence mock drills across four Pakistan-bordering states and Haryana, in what is being described as one of the most expansive emergency preparedness exercises in recent years.
The move follows Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military operation by India earlier this month, and comes amid renewed concerns about terror threats and border tensions.
Civil Defence Drills Across Border States
Starting Thursday, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir will begin coordinated civil defence mock drills, aimed at preparing both civilian populations and authorities for wartime-like emergencies. These drills are taking place just weeks after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following heightened military activity.
The drills form a key part of Operation Abhyaas, launched in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed 244 districts across India to participate.
Key components of these exercises include:
- Blackout drills simulating power cuts during air raids
- Air raid siren tests
- Emergency evacuation protocols
- Public awareness campaigns on emergency response
These measures are designed to educate, train, and mobilize civilians in the event of natural disasters, military conflict, or terrorist attacks.
Haryana’s “Operation Shield” Across 22 Districts
Parallel to the national drill, the Haryana government is set to conduct a statewide mock drill named “Operation Shield” today, May 29, from 5 PM onward. This extensive exercise will cover all 22 districts of the state and is aimed at enhancing disaster resilience and inter-agency coordination.
According to Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), the drill will feature:
- Mobilization of civil defence wardens and registered volunteers
- Participation of youth organizations like NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts and Guides
- A 15-minute controlled blackout near critical infrastructure at 8 PM, exempting hospitals, fire stations, and police stations
“This exercise will test the strength of our emergency response framework and boost coordination among the civil administration, defence services, and the public,” said Misra.
Strategic Backdrop: Operation Sindoor and National Security
The renewed focus on civil defence follows the swift and impactful Operation Sindoor, in which India struck nine terror hideouts across the border in just 22 minutes on May 6. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Gandhinagar on May 27, framed the current security situation as no longer a proxy war but a direct confrontation.
“Until now, we used to call it a proxy war. But now, when terrorists are given state funerals, it becomes clear that this is part of a nation's military strategy,” Modi said.
He emphasized that India carried out the strikes “in front of cameras” to provide undeniable proof to the world and to the Indian public.
“This is the land of the brave. You are already at war, and you will receive the response accordingly,” he said. “We seek peace and progress, not conflict.”
Operation Abhyaas: A Nationwide Emergency Blueprint
The MHA's directive under Operation Abhyaas aims to build a nationwide emergency readiness blueprint in anticipation of:
- Possible cross-border escalations
- Urban terror threats
- Cyber attacks on infrastructure
- Natural calamities requiring large-scale evacuation
Experts believe that such drills help foster a culture of readiness, crucial in today’s dynamic threat environment.
“These exercises instill discipline and community cohesion, preparing the population to react swiftly and responsibly in real crises,” said Lt. Gen. (Retd.) R. Kapoor, a defence analyst.
Key Takeaways:
- Civil defence drills underway in Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, J&K post-Operation Sindoor
- Haryana rolls out “Operation Shield” across all 22 districts
- Drills include blackout protocols, air raid sirens, and youth mobilisation
- PM Modi declares terrorism is now part of enemy military doctrine, not just proxy war
- 244 districts nationwide involved under Operation Abhyaas
Why This Matters
In a geopolitical climate where security and resilience are increasingly intertwined, these drills are not symbolic. They signal a paradigm shift in how India prepares for threats — by empowering local communities and ensuring state machinery readiness at every level.
Stay tuned to TheTrendingPeople.com for on-ground reports, exclusive interviews, and real-time updates on India’s national defence preparedness.