Operation Shield in Haryana and Punjab

Operation Shield in Haryana and Punjab: Enhancing Civil Defence Readiness

Recently, Haryana and Punjab participated in Operation Shield, a large-scale civil defence drill conducted nationwide to improve emergency preparedness in India's border states. This exercise was initiated in response to increased tensions between India and Pakistan and recent security challenges, aiming to assess and boost the readiness of emergency services and the public to handle aerial threats, drone incursions, and wartime emergencies.

Understanding Operation Shield

Operation Shield is a detailed civil defence drill mandated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. It simulates various emergency situations such as air raids, drone or missile attacks, and blackout conditions in states bordering Pakistan, including Haryana and Punjab. The main goal is to enhance coordination among multiple agencies—police, fire services, health departments, disaster management teams, and civil defence units—while educating citizens on safety measures during potential attacks.

Purpose Behind Operation Shield

The operation was launched following the discovery of significant gaps in civil defence readiness during previous drills, notably after the Pahalgam terror incident. The Union Home Ministry instructed states to conduct realistic, state-wide mock drills to address these issues. This initiative highlights the importance of maintaining constant vigilance and fostering a culture of preparedness rather than treating such drills as isolated events.

Highlights of Operation Shield in Haryana and Punjab

1. Extensive Participation and Coverage

• Haryana conducted the drill across all 22 districts, involving over 10,000 Civil Defence volunteers along with groups like the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Home Guards, and National Service Scheme (NSS).

• Punjab’s exercise covered all districts, focusing particularly on sensitive border regions such as Fazilka and Ferozepur.

• Senior officials, including Haryana’s Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and Punjab’s Special Director General of Police, oversaw the drills.

2. Simulated Emergency Scenarios

• The exercises featured air raid sirens, blackout drills lasting between 10 to 30 minutes, mock evacuations, and staged rescue operations.

• Punjab simulated enemy drone attacks on military installations, requiring swift coordination between civil authorities and the armed forces for evacuation and rescue.

• Haryana observed controlled blackouts near critical installations, exempting essential services like hospitals and fire stations.

3. Community Involvement and Training

• A key aspect was the active participation of the community, with volunteers trained by master trainers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• Public awareness campaigns and briefings on air raid safety were conducted prior to the drills to educate citizens on how to respond to sirens and seek shelter.

• Youth organizations such as NCC, NSS, and Bharat Scouts & Guides played vital roles in implementing safety protocols and assisting with evacuations.

4. Coordination Among Agencies

• District war rooms, led by deputy commissioners, managed real-time tactical briefings and deployed teams to key locations.

• The drills tested communication channels between the Air Force and civil security control rooms, and incorporated advanced technologies like drones and GIS-based resource tracking.

Results and Impact

Operation Shield effectively tested the emergency response capabilities of Haryana and Punjab. Key results included:

• Improved Preparedness: The drills identified strengths and areas needing improvement, enabling authorities to refine protocols and close gaps.

• Enhanced Collaboration: The exercise demonstrated smooth cooperation among civil administration, police, fire, medical, and disaster management agencies.

• Increased Public Awareness: Citizens gained better understanding of civil defence measures such as blackout procedures and safe evacuation, helping reduce panic during real emergencies.

• Ongoing Vigilance: Officials stressed the need for continuous preparedness as a cultural norm rather than a one-time event.

Conclusion

Operation Shield has raised the standard of civil defence readiness in Haryana and Punjab. By engaging thousands of volunteers, fostering inter-agency cooperation, and simulating realistic emergency scenarios, the exercise has significantly bolstered the region’s capacity to respond to national security threats. Given the ongoing tensions along India’s western borders, such initiatives are crucial for safeguarding both authorities and the public.