Amid border tensions, states hold drills for war, disaster preparedness

“Operation Shield”, a civil defence exercise to enhance emergency preparedness amid rising national security concerns, was on Saturday conducted across the region.

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The states and UTs which participated in the exercise included Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir and Chandigarh. The drills, organised under the guidance of the Union Home Ministry, simulated wartime scenarios, including airstrikes, drone attacks and blackout protocols, to test response mechanisms.

In Punjab, the exercise was carried out across all districts, with agencies like police, fire services, health department and disaster management teams participating. Volunteers from civil defence, NCC and NSS enacted rescue operations, including evacuating “injured” civilians and extinguishing fires. A scenario in Hoshiarpur involved a swarm of enemy drones attacking a military station, prompting immediate coordination between defence and civil authorities.

Haryana executed the drill under the supervision of Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Misra, who monitored live updates from the State Emergency Response Centre (SERC) in Panchkula. Over 10,000 civil defence volunteers, along with NCC, NYKS and Home Guards, participated, showcasing the state’s “Jan Bhagidari” model. District war rooms, led by deputy commissioners, tested evacuation protocols, triaging and cyber-incident responses using drones and GIS tracking. Misra emphasised that preparedness must become a continuous culture, not just a one-time drill.

In J&K, the exercise was conducted in Srinagar, Pulwama, Baramulla and Jammu. Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat oversaw the drill at Amar Niwas Complex. Key measures included blackout drills, inter-agency coordination, and public safety protocols.

The Pulwama administration collaborated with the J&K Police and the SDRF, while Baramulla tested fire response and evacuation strategies at Degree College Ground. Officials stated the drill aimed at strengthening security for critical infrastructure and civilian safety against external threats.

The pan-India “Operation Shield” demonstrated Punjab, Haryana, and J&K’s commitment to enhancing disaster resilience and security preparedness. By integrating technology, community participation and real-time coordination, the states aim to minimise vulnerabilities in emergencies, ensuring swift and efficient responses to potential threats.