Gujarat Enforces Blackout in Patan Border Regions Amid Ongoing Drone Threats

Gandhinagar: In response to escalating cross-border threats, Gujarat has imposed a precautionary blackout across the Kutch district for the second night in a row, following repeated UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) intrusions from Pakistan. The blackout has now been extended to all villages in Suigam and Vav talukas of Banaskantha district, as well as border areas in Santalpur taluka of Patan district.

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) confirmed the measures via social media, stating, “A blackout has been enforced in all the villages of Suigam and Vav talukas in Banaskantha district amid the prevailing border situation. People are also advised to stay away from rumours and follow safety instructions issued by the authorities.”

Further updates from the CMO included, “Considering the current situation on the border, a blackout is declared in the Kutch district until further notice,” and, “As a precautionary measure, a blackout has been imposed in the villages of bordering Santalpur taluka in Patan district. All citizens are advised to stay away from rumours and follow the instructions issued by the administration from time to time.”

In addition to the blackout, state authorities have issued a temporary ban on drone activity across Gujarat for 96 hours, until May 15. This restriction excludes drone operations related to national defense and internal security.

Given the heightened alert, all state government employee leaves have been suspended. The Gujarat health department has also deployed 154 doctors from various public hospitals to support border districts.

Civil aviation has been suspended at seven airports across the state Rajkot, Bhuj, Kandla, Keshod, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Mundra (Adani) until the morning of May 15, as part of the broader security protocol.