Photo Credit: Hindustan Times
In a significant move to test and tighten its civil defence preparedness, the Punjab government is set to roll out Operation SHIELD, a full-scale mock drill – across multiple districts on June 3. The state’s Home Guards and Civil Defence Department, in coordination with the NDRF and local administrations, aims to simulate emergency scenarios that could mirror wartime or disaster-like conditions.
Originally scheduled for May 29, the operation was rescheduled to ensure the inclusion of NDRF-trained volunteers, underlining the importance Punjab is placing on real-time coordination and practical readiness. Now, as the state counts down to June 3, there is a sense of cautious anticipation, both among officials and residents.
While the term “mock drill” often conjures images of classroom-style rehearsals, this one promises to be anything but basic. The scale and depth of the planned simulation complete with sirens, blackout advisories, and air-raid scenario testing are designed to mimic responses to missile or drone attacks. The inclusion of coordination with Indian Air Force units only amplifies the drill’s seriousness.
Ludhiana, Punjab’s industrial powerhouse, and several border districts have been marked for special focus. These zones, classified as Civil Defence Districts by the central government, are being prepped for full participation. From activating control rooms to managing simulated blackouts, the exercise will test how well prepared Punjab really is in case of a real emergency.
This isn’t just a symbolic effort. It reflects a broader national pattern. Similar drills are either underway or being prepared in other sensitive states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir, especially given the evolving nature of cross-border threats and the rising use of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) in modern warfare tactics.
Interestingly, Operation SHIELD also seems to signal a post-COVID shift in the way states are thinking about preparedness, not just in terms of health emergencies, but national security too. With recent global conflicts showing how quickly civilian populations can become targets in geopolitical disputes, India appears to be recalibrating its civil defence protocols, and Punjab is emerging as a key testing ground.
For the average citizen, June 3 may look unusual, sirens may wail, lights may dim, and emergency teams will be unusually visible. But behind this unusual day lies an increasingly relevant question: Are we really prepared for unexpected threats – not just viruses, but violence too?
Operation SHIELD might just offer some answers.
