Weeks after Operation Sindoor, mock drill in five border states tomorrow; check if your city is on the list

The central government will conduct civil defence mock drills tomorrow, May 29, in five regions bordering Pakistan—Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir. These exercises come weeks after India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ targeting terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The drills aim to assess emergency preparedness in case of war, missile attacks, or aerial strikes.

In Rajasthan, the drill will take place in four border districts—Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sri Ganganagar, and Bikaner. Tina Dabi, District Collector of Barmer, said sirens will sound and emergency response systems will be tested. Preparations are underway with special focus on Jaisalmer, which borders Pakistan. Additional District Collector Paras Ram Tok mentioned the exact time and location in Jaisalmer are yet to be finalised.

Earlier on May 7, similar drills were conducted in 28 Rajasthan cities to prepare for potential air raids following the launch of Operation Sindoor.

Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 people, including a Nepalese citizen. The operation involved precision strikes on terrorist camps inside Pakistan and PoK, marking India’s biggest military action in Pakistan since 1971.

In Haryana, a civil defence exercise named Operation Shield will be held across all 22 districts on the same day, between 5 pm and 9 pm. The drill, overseen by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, will simulate air raids, drone attacks, and other wartime scenarios amid heightened security concerns. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary of Haryana’s Home Department, said the drill is meant to test how well emergency plans work, improve teamwork between the government, defence forces, and local communities, and find areas that need to be better.

The drill will account for the Civil Defence Wardens, volunteers, a youth group, viz. NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, and Bharat Scouts and Guides. It will witness the air raid sirens being sounded, testing communication channels with the Indian Air Force, and a black-out-for-control exercise-from 8:00 pm to 8:15 pm near vital installations-other than hospitals, fire stations, and police stations.

What are civil defence mock drills?

Civil defence drills simulate emergencies such as coordinated terror attacks, missile strikes, chemical hazards, and mass evacuations to identify strengths and gaps in response readiness. Participants include state disaster response teams, police, fire services, medical personnel, and civil defence volunteers.

During the drills, the public may experience temporary power outages, sirens, restricted area access, evacuation procedures, public announcements, and traffic diversions.

Mock Drill: What you need to do?

•  One should follow only official updates from authorities.
•  Stay calm and avoid panic if sirens or blackouts occur.
• Obey instructions from police and civil defence officials.
• Avoid areas sealed off for the drill.
• Keep an emergency kit ready, including water, flashlight, and first aid supplies.

(With inputs from agencies)