The Impressive Times
Punjab : Punjab will conduct a large-scale mock drill under “Operation Shield” on May 31, following directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) aimed at bolstering civil defence mechanisms in the event of a hostile attack or emergency. The drill will involve coordinated participation from various law enforcement agencies, civil defence units, and emergency response teams across the state.
Special Director General of Police (DGP) of Home Guards and Director of Civil Defence, Sanjeev Kalra, issued official orders to initiate the exercise. The aim of the mock drill is to assess the state’s preparedness, response time, and coordination among different departments during emergency scenarios such as terrorist attacks, chemical or biological threats, or large-scale natural disasters.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has been urging all states and Union Territories to periodically conduct such drills as part of its national strategy to improve internal security and disaster management infrastructure. “Operation Shield” is designed as a strategic readiness initiative, simulating real-time crisis conditions to expose any gaps in existing response frameworks.
Punjab had initially postponed the drill, which was earlier scheduled for May 30, citing administrative constraints and logistical issues. The state government had proposed to conduct it on June 3 instead. However, after further deliberations and direction from the Centre, Punjab authorities rescheduled the drill to May 31.
Sources in the Home Department stated that the exercise will be conducted across key urban centres, with mock alerts, evacuation exercises, and emergency medical responses forming a part of the day-long activity. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, fire services, and hospitals will be mobilized for the exercise.
In addition to testing the readiness of first responders, the mock drill is also expected to engage civil society volunteers and local administrative units to ensure that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are well understood at every level.
Officials have urged the public not to panic during the drills and assured that proper advisories will be issued in advance to inform residents in affected localities.
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