India to Conduct Civil Defence Drill Along Western Border Tomorrow

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the organization of the 2nd Civil Defence Exercise “Operation Shield” across all districts in states and UTs adjoining India’s western border. 

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The drill is scheduled for 29 May 2025 and aims to bolster national preparedness against hostile threats. The exercise follows the first drill held on May 7, 2025, which highlighted several critical gaps in regional readiness. 

Accordingly, emergency powers were invoked and funding arrangements were made through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

The upcoming exercise will simulate multiple contingencies including Silent recall and mobilization of Civil Defence Wardens, Home Guards, Scouts, and NCC/NSS/NYKS volunteers; Simulated air raids involving aircraft, drones, and missile attacks; Activation of hotlines between Air Force and CD control rooms, along with centrally operated air raid sirens; Mock drills for blackout measures across vulnerable areas excluding emergency services; Simulation of a military base drone attack and mass casualty evacuation of civilians; Mobilization of medical teams and blood bank resources; Rear Area Security Plan: Immediate deployment of Border Wing Home Guards with the Armed Forces

Local authorities and district administrations have been instructed to carry out the drills from 1700 hours onwards on the scheduled day, and to report outcomes to the Civil Defence Directorate.