Author: Akshay Published Date: May 31, 2025
A Nationwide Safety Check: Operation SHIELD in Action
In a major step towards strengthening India’s disaster response system, a massive mock drill was conducted under Operation SHIELD across six states and Union Territories on Saturday. The coordinated exercise aimed to assess and enhance preparedness for potential CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) emergencies — situations that demand swift and precise action to save lives.
Where Did the Drill Take Place?
The mock drill was held simultaneously in:
- Delhi
- Rajasthan
- Gujarat
- Madhya Pradesh
- Goa
- Union Territory of Chandigarh
Each location staged unique scenarios designed to simulate real-world emergencies involving hazardous substances, aiming to test the alertness and efficiency of emergency responders and civil authorities.
What Is Operation SHIELD?
Launched by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Operation SHIELD (Safe Handling of Incidents by Emergency and Local Disaster Responders) is a specialized initiative. Its goal is to:
- Train and evaluate first responders
- Test coordination between various disaster management teams
- Assess availability and readiness of protective gear and equipment
- Create awareness among local administration and public
The focus is on CBRN disaster scenarios, which are considered high-risk and complex, requiring advanced knowledge and preparation.
Who Participated in the Drill?
- NDRF units took the lead in handling simulated hazards
- State disaster response teams
- Fire departments
- Medical teams
- Police and local authorities
Each group played a critical role in containment, evacuation, and rescue operations, ensuring proper decontamination processes and public safety measures were followed.
Objectives of the Mock Drill
- Enhance Inter-agency Coordination
To evaluate how efficiently various departments collaborate under pressure. - Check Equipment Readiness
From hazmat suits to detection kits, the drill assessed the availability and functionality of life-saving tools. - Evaluate Response Time
Quick mobilization is key in a real CBRN event, and this drill tested that capability. - Raise Public Awareness
Local citizens were informed about emergency protocols and the importance of staying calm during such events.
Operation SHIELD’s mock drills underline India’s commitment to proactive emergency readiness, especially in the face of unpredictable and hazardous threats. Exercises like these not only sharpen the skills of response teams but also build public confidence in our systems.
As global challenges grow in complexity, preparedness is no longer optional—it’s essential.