The much-anticipated civil defence exercise ‘Operation Shield’, which was scheduled to be conducted on Thursday, in states and Union Territories along India’s western border, has been postponed in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Chandigarh due to administrative reasons.
The exercise was originally planned by the Central government to be held across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh. The initiative aimed to bolster emergency preparedness and simulate responses to potential threats in districts bordering Pakistan.
However, in a joint communication, the governments of Gujarat and Rajasthan announced the postponement of the drill, stating, "It is hereby intimated that the Civil Defence Exercise 'Operation Shield', which was planned to be held on Thursday, is hereby postponed due to administrative reasons."
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The official note further directed that all relevant authorities, including Controllers of Civil Defence and associated stakeholders, be informed accordingly. The Chandigarh administration has also confirmed the postponement. New dates for the drill will be announced in due course.
Before the postponement, Tina Dabi, District Collector of Barmer, had confirmed that mock drills were to take place in four key border districts of Rajasthan—Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sri Ganganagar, and Bikaner. The exercises were to include coordination between local administration and youth volunteer groups such as NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts & Guides. These volunteers were expected to support civil authorities in managing scenarios like air raids from enemy aircraft, drone strikes, and missile attacks.
The purpose of the drill was to evaluate emergency response mechanisms and enhance civil-military coordination in high-risk regions. This civil defence initiative follows a similar national exercise conducted on May 7, under the direction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. That earlier drill focused on checking the security arrangements for civilians residing in sensitive and vulnerable areas across the country.
The postponement comes at a time when regional security concerns remain high, especially in the wake of Operation Sindoor and recent statements from the Prime Minister on the shifting nature of India’s national security threats. Despite the delay, the Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to reschedule the drills to ensure that the preparedness mission under Operation Shield continues without compromise.
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