Operation Shield: Gujarat’s Comprehensive Civil Defence Mock Drills on May 31, 2025

Introduction

In response to escalating regional tensions and the need for heightened emergency preparedness, Gujarat participated in a nationwide civil defence exercise named ‘Operation Shield’ on May 31, 2025. This large-scale mock drill aimed to assess and strengthen the state’s readiness to handle potential wartime scenarios or natural disasters. The exercise involved coordinated efforts across multiple districts, simulating emergency situations to test the responsiveness of both civilian populations and security forces.

Background of Operation Shield

‘Operation Shield’ is a nationwide emergency preparedness exercise initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is designed to enhance security readiness and civilian response in the event of potential external threats. The operation involves blackout protocols and siren drills, simulating emergency scenarios to test the responsiveness of both civilian populations and security forces. The drills come amid heightened alertness following recent security developments along the border, emphasizing India’s strategic focus on safeguarding national security.

Objectives of the Drill

The primary goals of the mock drills in Gujarat were:

• Enhancing Emergency Preparedness: To evaluate and improve the state’s readiness to respond to emergencies such as air raids, drone attacks, or natural disasters.
• Testing Communication Systems: To assess the effectiveness of siren systems and communication channels between various agencies.
• Coordinating Inter-Agency Response: To ensure seamless collaboration among civil defence volunteers, police, medical services, and local administrative bodies.
• Educating the Public: To raise awareness among citizens about emergency protocols and the importance of cooperation during crises.

Districts Involved and Drill Schedule

The mock drills were conducted across 18 districts in Gujarat, each with specific blackout timings and activities:

• Patan and Navsari: Blackouts from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
• Vadodara and Gandhinagar: Blackouts from 7:30 PM to 7:45 PM.
• Surat, Jamnagar, Kheda, Tapi, Mahisagar, Kutch, Valsad, Amreli, Surendranagar, and Panchmahal (Godhra): Blackouts between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM.
• Rajkot: Blackout scheduled from 8:30 PM to 8:45 PM.
• Dahod and Ahmedabad: Blackouts from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM and 7:45 PM to 8:15 PM, respectively.
• Banaskantha (Nadabet, Vav-Suigam taluka): Full blackout enforced across all villages from 7:45 PM to 8:15 PM.

Key Activities During the Drill

Siren Activation

Sirens were sounded at various locations between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM to signal the commencement of the drills. These sirens served as alerts for the public to prepare for the upcoming blackout and simulated emergency scenarios.

Blackout Implementation

Following the sirens, partial or complete blackouts were implemented in select areas around the drill sites. Residents were instructed to switch off all lights, including street lights, shop signage, hoardings, and residential lighting, to simulate wartime blackout conditions.

Emergency Response Simulations

The drills included various emergency response activities such as:

• Rescue Operations: Simulated scenarios involving the rescue of injured and trapped individuals.
• First Aid Provision: Training sessions on providing immediate medical assistance during emergencies.
• Evacuation Procedures: Mock evacuations to test the efficiency of moving people to safe locations.

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Notable Drill Locations Operation Shield

Ahmedabad

In Ahmedabad, drills were conducted at the Shahibaug Cantonment and Viramgam police lines. Starting from 5:00 PM, six different types of emergency response activities were carried out, followed by a blackout at 7:45 PM in the respective areas.

Rajkot

The Madhapar area in Rajkot witnessed a mock drill starting at 6:45 PM, which included a simulated drone attack and blackout between 8:00 PM and 8:15 PM. Sirens signaled the start, and residents in surrounding areas were required to observe total darkness.

Vadodara

Vadodara saw drills in three key locations: Padra town (urban area), near Inox Air Company in Jithardi village (Karjan Taluka), and EME School Compound (city limits). Exercises at these sites ran from 4:45 PM to 9:30 PM.

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Public Participation and Instructions

Authorities emphasized the importance of public cooperation during the drills. Residents were instructed to:

• Switch Off Lights: Turn off all lights during the designated blackout periods.
• Avoid Outdoor Activities: Stay indoors and refrain from using mobile phones or flashlights near windows.
• Follow Official Instructions: Adhere to guidelines provided by local authorities and civil defence personnel.

These measures aimed to create a realistic simulation of emergency conditions and assess the public’s readiness to respond appropriately.

Conclusion of Operation Shield

The successful execution of ‘Operation Shield’ in Gujarat on May 31, 2025, marked a significant step towards enhancing the state’s emergency preparedness. The coordinated efforts across multiple districts, involving various agencies and public participation, demonstrated Gujarat’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens against potential threats. Such drills not only test the efficiency of emergency response systems but also foster a culture of awareness and readiness among the populace.