Jaipur, May 31 — In an unprecedented and meticulously coordinated exercise, the Rajasthan government, in collaboration with the Disaster Management Department, carried out a statewide blackout and mock drill on Saturday evening under ‘Operation SHIELD’. The drill simulated airstrikes, drone attacks, and emergency rescue scenarios, with the goal of evaluating administrative preparedness and raising public awareness about disaster response protocols.
Statewide Participation and Execution
Beginning around 8:00 PM, cities across Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Ajmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Kota, Jaisalmer, and Barmer, witnessed simultaneous blackout drills. Power was cut off in selected areas, and citizens were instructed to switch off lights in homes and shops. Streets from Jaipur’s Khatipura Road to Hasanpura were plunged into darkness after local police informed residents in advance. In Ajmer, even government streetlights were turned off in sync with the operation.
Simulated Airstrikes and Rescue Missions
The mock drills featured staged aerial attacks using drones, complete with controlled explosions, simulated injuries, and rescue operations. In Jaipur, a school in the Khatipura area was transformed into a pseudo war zone where explosions and aerial gunfire were enacted. Emergency response units, including SDRF and Civil Defence, promptly arrived to conduct evacuation and medical aid drills.
In Jhalawar, an unexpected real-life emergency occurred when a swarm of bees attacked officials during a mock drill at the Kali Sindh dam. The district collector and other senior officers had to flee, highlighting the unpredictable nature of on-ground operations.
At other locations:
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Didwana simulated an airstrike on the police line with 20 “injured” civilians.
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Pratapgarh’s Gautameshwar Temple and Baran’s Adani Power Plant became staging areas for mock drone attacks.
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In Bharatpur and Sawai Madhopur, schools and temples were evacuated and injured civilians were “rescued.”
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Jalore Railway Station ran a scenario simulating a terrorist bombing.
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Military installations in Udaipur, Kota, and Bikaner participated with full cooperation from the army, police, fire, and medical departments.
Citizen Awareness and Emergency Protocols
Sirens across the state marked the beginning of drills, followed by emergency alerts and blackout orders. Emergency personnel demonstrated how to evacuate civilians, douse fires, and manage crowds during mass panic situations. Citizens were reassured that staggered siren blasts were part of the drill and should be treated with calm and compliance.
The initiative also emphasized public education, encouraging residents to familiarize themselves with disaster protocols, such as turning off lights during blackouts, staying indoors during emergencies, and following official instructions.
Strengthening Coordination and Response
‘Operation SHIELD’ served as a comprehensive test of Rajasthan’s disaster management ecosystem, evaluating coordination between civil authorities, law enforcement, and defence units. By simulating war-like emergencies, the operation helped identify response gaps, assess readiness, and reinforce inter-agency collaboration.
This large-scale drill reaffirmed the importance of proactive civil defence training and has set a benchmark in India for multi-agency disaster simulation and public preparedness.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
