Chandigarh to hold 'Operation Shield' mock drill on Saturday

As part of a nationwide civil defence exercise, named “Operation Shield”, a blackout will be observed in the Kishangarh and IT Park areas of Chandigarh on May 31 (Saturday) from 8pm to 8.10 pm.

This initiative is aimed at simulating emergency blackout conditions and enhancing preparedness during potential hostile attacks.

In addition to the blackout, a mock drill will also be conducted at the Community Centre in Sector 47, Chandigarh. This exercise will be a simulation where a military station is attacked by enemy drones. The civil administration will help evacuate families to a safer area, with 20 people being evacuated as part of the mock drill. Medical response will also be tested, including the arrangement of 30 units of blood and additional medical teams for treating the injured. The drill is part of a larger effort to test coordination mechanisms and improve response strategies among various departments and emergency forces.

The exercise will involve civil defence volunteers, Home Guards, local officials, and youth organisations like NCC, NSS and NGOs. The drill will include practice scenarios such as air raids, drone and missile attacks, operation of air raid sirens, and coordination between the Air Force and civil defence control rooms.

As part of rear area security planning, the exercise will also involve the rapid mobilisation of Border Wing Home Guards to support the Indian Army.

Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav asked all departments of Chandigarh Administration to fully support and participate in this exercise. “This important exercise will help improve coordination, test emergency response systems, and ensure Chandigarh is better prepared for any emergency or threat in the future,” he said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to conduct “Operation Shield” across all districts in states and Union Territories located along the western border of the country.