STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: A civil defence exercise will be undertaken on Saturday (May 31) in all districts of states and Union territories adjoining the western border – from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat – on how to face air raids from enemy aircraft, drones, missile attacks among others.
The Directorate General of Fire Service and Home Guards said the civil defence exercise “Operation Shield” will be carried out in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
On May 7, hours ahead of Operation Sindoor, the government had conducted the first civil defence exercise across the country. During the second civil defence exercise, the “contingencies envisaged to be practised include general or silent recall of civil defence wardens and volunteers”.
“Stakeholders from local administration and youth volunteers like NCC, NSS, NYKS, Bharat Scouts & Guides, to man different services and assist the civil administration in the implementation of various civil defence measures like air raids from enemy aircraft, drones and missile attacks,” the communication said.
The Directorate, which comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs, said during the first civil defence exercise held on May 7, critical gaps in the civil defence preparedness of the vulnerable areas of the country were observed.
Instructions to take necessary actions to suitably address the issues were issued on May 9. Emergency powers were invoked and funding arrangements through the State Disaster Response Force were also made.
The second exercise “Operation Shield” will be carried out in all the districts of states and UTs, adjoining the western border on May 31 in order to augment the civil defence preparedness against any hostile attack.
During the exercise, there will be activation of centrally controlled and operated air raid sirens, and complete blackout measures adjoining civilian areas among others, sources said.
According to the plan, during the mock drills, evacuation of the families of one of the military stations will be practised in case of drone attacks. The deployment of medical teams and the transportation of blood units among others will also be done.
