Chandigarh to Take Part in 2nd Nationwide Civil Defence Exercise ‘Operation Shield’ on 29th May, 2025
Blackout to be observed in Kishangarh and I.T. Park as Part of National Mock Drill on 29th May, 2025
Chandigarh, May 28, 2025:
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has decided to conduct the 2nd Civil Defence Exercise, named “Operation Shield”, across all districts in States and Union Territories located along the western border of the country. A meeting in this regard was held under the Chairmanship of Sh. Rajeev Verma, Chief Secretary, UT, Chandigarh, IGP, Sh. R.K. Singh alongwith other senior officers of Chandigarh Administration attended this meeting.
As part of a nationwide civil defence exercise, a blackout will be observed in the Kishangarh and I.T. Park areas of Chandigarh on May 29, 2025 (Thursday), from 8:00 PM to 8:10 PM. This initiative is aimed at simulating emergency blackout conditions and enhancing preparedness during potential hostile attacks.
The Chief Secretary said that in addition to the blackout, a mock drill will also be conducted at the Community Centre in Sector 47, Chandigarh. This exercise will be a simulation where a military station is attacked by enemy drones. In this situation, the civil administration will help evacuate families to a safer place, with 20 people being evacuated as part of the mock drill. Medical response will also be tested, including the arrangement of 30 units of blood and additional medical teams for treating the injured. The drill is part of a larger effort to test coordination mechanisms and improve response strategies among various departments and emergency forces.
The exercise will involve civil defence volunteers, Home Guards, local officials, and youth organisations like NCC, NSS and NGOs. The drill will include practice scenarios such as air raids, drone and missile attacks, operation of air raid sirens, and coordination between the Air Force and civil defence control rooms.
As part of rear area security planning, the exercise will also involve the rapid mobilisation of Border Wing Home Guards to support the Indian Army.
The Chief Secretary has further directed all departments of Chandigarh Administration to fully support and participate in this exercise.
This important exercise will help improve coordination, test emergency response systems, and ensure Chandigarh is better prepared for any emergency or threat in the future.
