Authorities have postponed Operation Shield, a civil defence mock drill originally scheduled for Thursday across multiple border states and Union Territories, due to administrative issues. The exercise aimed to enhance emergency readiness amid ongoing tensions with Pakistan and planned to simulate responses to threats like drone attacks and air raids.
Drill Postponed in Key Border Regions Amid Ongoing Tensions
States including Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab, as well as the Union Territory of Chandigarh, officially announced the postponement of the mock drills late Wednesday evening. Officials cited “administrative reasons” for the decision, though they did not immediately provide further details.
The Haryana Home Department confirmed the postponement in an official statement, stating, “Following instructions from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Haryana Home Department has postponed the comprehensive civil defence exercise, Operation Shield, which was scheduled for Thursday.” All deputy commissioners and relevant stakeholders were notified accordingly.
Chandigarh’s administration echoed the announcement, clarifying that there would be “no blackout or mock drill” on Thursday, attributing the decision to instructions from the Government of India.
Punjab announced new mock drill date
Punjab took a different approach, proactively requesting a rescheduling of the exercise due to its civil defence staff currently undergoing training with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The Centre approved Punjab’s proposal to conduct the drill on June 3 and informed the deputy commissioners of the revised date.
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