Jammu: The District Administration Jammu will conduct the Civil Defense Exercise, titled “Operation Shield,” on May 31, 2025, from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM.
As part of this exercise, a mock blackout drill will be observed across the district to enhance emergency preparedness and public safety awareness.
The 15-minute drill aims to familiarize citizens with standard response protocols during blackout or crisis situations, while also assessing the readiness of both the public and the administration. Residents are expected to switch off all lights and sources of illumination, including inverters, torches, mobile lights, and vehicle lights, immediately after a siren sounds at 8:00 PM. Curtains should be drawn to prevent any light from escaping, and people are urged not to panic, as this is only a simulation.
During this brief period, all business activities, traffic movement, and routine operations are to be paused. The administration has requested that special care be taken to inform and prepare the elderly, children, and individuals with health concerns in advance to prevent any distress.
Despite the blackout, all emergency services and critical healthcare facilities will continue to function normally.
The administration has called for full public cooperation to ensure the success of the exercise and reaffirm Jammu’s commitment to building a resilient and well-prepared community.
Responding to the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalagam in which 26 people were killed, Operation Sindoor was carried out by India on May 7 through which the defence forces targeted terror camps at nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Later, some Pakistani military bases were also targeted by India in retaliatory action during four days of skirmishes with the neighbouring country between May 7 and 10. Pakistani forces resorted to heavy shelling along the border and LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and also tried to attack some other places along the International Border in the western sector with drones and missiles.
The Directorate, which comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs, said during the first civil defence exercise held on May 7, critical gaps in the civil defence preparedness of the vulnerable areas of the country were observed.
Instructions to take necessary actions to suitably address the issues were issued on May 9.
Accordingly, emergency powers were invoked and funding arrangements through the State Disaster Response Force were also made.
In order to augment the civil defence preparedness against any hostile attack, the second exercise “Operation Shield” will be carried out in all the districts of states and UTs, adjoining the western border on May 29.
During the exercise, there will be activation of centrally controlled and operated air raid sirens, and complete blackout measures adjoining civilian areas among others, sources said.
According to the plan, during the mock drills, evacuation of the families of one of the military stations will be practised in case of drone attacks. The deployment of medical teams and the transportation of blood units among others will also be done.
