Srinagar: Along with four other states, the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Chandigarh are also set to participate in the Civil Defence Exercise, ‘Operation Shield,’ on Thursday, the government said.
According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the exercise is part of a nationwide initiative under the Ministry of Home Affairs to enhance the civil defence preparedness along India’s western border states.
This mock drill will be conducted across various districts of Jammu & Kashmir and will also involve neighbouring states, including Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
“The exercise aims to test and improve responses to potential threats such as air raids, missile attacks, and drone strikes. It will simulate a range of emergency situations, including the recall of Civil Defence wardens, volunteers, and youth groups like NCC and NSS to assist local administration in implementing defence measures,” the circular states.
One key scenario will simulate an attack on a military station by enemy drones, requiring civil administration support to evacuate families to safer locations.
Medical teams will also be augmented to handle mass injuries, and there will be a demonstration of emergency response coordination between civil defence control rooms and the Air Force.
The exercise will begin at 5 PM and will engage local authorities, military units, and civil volunteers in the implementation of various defensive measures.
The Directorate General Fire Service Civil Defence & Home Guards (DGFS-CDHG) has directed all district civil defence departments to coordinate the event, which is expected to involve several key stakeholders from local administrations, youth organizations, and emergency services.
In addition to the recall of Civil Defence wardens and volunteers, there will be a mock evacuation of civilians and a demonstration of medical preparedness, including the requirement of 30 units of blood for mass casualties. The exercise will also involve coordination between civil defence and military forces to strengthen response measures for any hostile attack.
