The mock drill proposed for May 29th has been cancelled following instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs. A new date for the 'Operation Shield' exercise will be announced shortly. Citizens are urged to disregard any rumors.
Mock Drill: The mock drill scheduled for May 29th under 'Operation Shield' has been postponed. Following instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the drill, planned for 5 PM in several states and union territories including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, and Chandigarh, has been cancelled.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued clear instructions to all Civil Defence Controllers and relevant departments that the mock drill is postponed until further notice. A new date for 'Operation Shield' will be announced soon.
Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh Confirm Drill Cancellation
The Gujarat Information Department and Rajasthan Home Department have officially announced the postponement of the mock drill. The Chandigarh administration stated that no blackout or mock drill will take place on May 29th. The planned exercises across various districts, simulating emergency situations including air raids, blackouts, rescue operations, and medical assistance, have been cancelled.
Purpose of the Mock Drill
'Operation Shield' aimed to prepare citizens and the administration for emergency situations. This included simulating blackouts during air raids, citizen rescue to safe locations, medical emergency handling, and disaster management procedures. Civil Defence Wardens, local administration officials, and young volunteers from NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Scouts & Guides were to participate.
Blackout Procedure Cancelled
As per the earlier plan, a blackout (excluding essential services) was scheduled in civilian areas from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM on May 29th. Public awareness campaigns were underway, but this has also been postponed. There will be no blackout tomorrow.
Drone Attack Defence Exercise Also Halted
The mock drill was also to simulate a response to a potential enemy drone attack on a military installation, practicing how local authorities would safely evacuate citizens. This included a simulation of evacuating 20 people to a safe location, but this has been postponed.
New Date to be Announced Soon
The government has clarified that a new date for the 'Operation Shield' mock drill will be announced soon. All relevant officials and stakeholders will be informed. As the May 29th drill is postponed, citizens are urged to ignore any rumors and avoid unnecessary anxiety.
