India has undertaken a nationwide emergency preparedness initiative under the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) directive, codenamed ‘Operation Shield’, to simulate wartime scenarios and test civil and emergency response protocols. The initiative included blackout mock drills, fire simulations, and coordinated emergency responses across several states and union territories.
High-Intensity Simulation in Jammu Near International Border
In Marh area of Jammu, a detailed and intense mock drill unfolded on Saturday evening between 8:00 and 8:15 PM, replicating the impact of enemy shelling:
- Sirens blared as a complete blackout was initiated.
- A blast simulation was staged atop the SDM building, leading to a fire outbreak on its rooftop.
- A tree fell due to the “impact,” blocking access roads.
- Fire brigade units rushed in to douse the flames, while State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams cleared the obstruction to ensure smooth passage for ambulances and police.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Ansuya Jamwal, highlighted the purpose of the exercise:
“The sirens marked the beginning of the drill. We demonstrated the civil defence response to an air raid scenario, including a fire outbreak and the evacuation of injured persons. The coordination among departments was crucial.”
Drill Execution in Srinagar and Other Parts of J&K
In Srinagar, a parallel drill took place at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where protocols were executed per MHA guidelines.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat stated:
“This mock drill is part of a general civil defence protocol under Operation Shield. It reinforces preparedness for any emergency or wartime scenario.”
Other regions of Jammu and Kashmir that participated in the drills include Anantnag, Udhampur, Ramban, and the Government Medical College in Doda.
Doda: Focus on Medical Emergency Response
At the Government Medical College in Doda, civil defence teams simulated emergency medical evacuation and fire response procedures.
ADC Doda, Anil Kumar Thakur (JKAS), noted:
“This is the second mock drill under Operation Shield conducted in Doda. These exercises aim to ensure disaster readiness so we can respond swiftly in real emergencies.”
Mock Drills Across India: Gujarat, Chandigarh Join In
Beyond Jammu and Kashmir, blackout and emergency preparedness drills were conducted in:
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Chandigarh
These drills included civil defence responses to potential air raids, power blackouts, and casualty evacuations, following standard operating procedures.
Objective: National Preparedness and Inter-Agency Coordination
The key goals of Operation Shield are:
- To assess the readiness of civil and emergency services in war-like conditions
- To test inter-agency coordination
- To prepare urban and border regions for emergencies, including air raids, infrastructure damage, and mass casualty events
The drills also serve as a reminder of India’s strategic emphasis on civil defence, particularly in sensitive and border-adjacent zones.
Conclusion: A Nationwide Wake-Up Call
As geopolitical tensions remain volatile, Operation Shield represents a proactive step by the Indian government to ensure resilience and rapid response capabilities. The blackout drills not only simulate worst-case scenarios but also aim to instill public awareness and administrative coordination, forming the backbone of civil security infrastructure.
India’s increasing focus on preparedness and resilience in such complex environments underlines a comprehensive national security approach, ensuring that in the face of real danger, the country is ready, responsive, and resilient.