Surat will once again participate in a large-scale mock drill aimed at testing the city’s preparedness in times of emergency. As part of the statewide civil defence initiative “Operation Shield”, citizens will experience a scheduled blackout on Saturday, 31st May, from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Authorities have confirmed that this is a precautionary exercise designed to simulate real-time disaster response scenarios. The mock drill will take place at multiple strategic locations in Surat, including Global Textile Market, near SMIMER Hospital, Bombay Market, and the Kakrapar Atomic Station area. Residents are advised to cooperate and avoid panic during this brief blackout period.
A state-level mock drill has been scheduled for 31st May, starting from 5:00 PM onwards, according to an official press release issued on 29th May. This comprehensive security preparedness exercise will be carried out across several bordering states, including Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The purpose of the drill is to strengthen disaster response mechanisms and raise public awareness in areas that lie close to the Line of Control, which are considered highly vulnerable to potential cross-border threats and emergencies.
What Will Happen During the Mock drill?
According to officials, the 30-minute blackout is an essential part of the drill, allowing disaster response teams to evaluate public awareness and infrastructure response without the risk of real danger.
Citizens are requested to:
- Switch off all tube lights at home and in offices.
- Keep refrigerators and fans running, as they will not impact the drill.
- Avoid spreading or believing in rumours, especially on social media.
- Stay calm and treat this as a training session meant for public safety.
This is not a real emergency, and there is no cause for concern. The drill is supervised by the Gujarat State Civil Defence Authority in collaboration with local municipal bodies, fire brigades, and emergency response services.
Purpose Behind the Drill
The mock drill under “Operation Shield” is part of Gujarat’s proactive approach to disaster management and urban preparedness. Surat, being one of the most populated and rapidly growing cities, is a key location for such safety exercises.
Such drills help authorities test:
- Power grid resilience during a sudden outage.
- Public response and awareness during a blackout.
- Emergency services coordination.
- Preparedness of sensitive zones like atomic stations and dense commercial areas.
Mock drills are a crucial part of the city’s civil defence strategy to ensure Surat remains disaster-ready.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed
The local government has made it clear that the drill is being conducted in public interest. Citizens are encouraged to participate responsibly, avoid panic, and ensure their family and neighbours are aware of the mock drill schedule.
In Summary:
- Event: Operation Shield – Mock drill
- Date: Saturday, 31st May 2025, 5 PM onwards
- Blackout Timing: 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Key Locations: Global Textile Market, SMIMER, Bombay Market, Kakrapar Atomic Station
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