A shrill hooter echoed across the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) premises, marking the commencement of “Operation अभ्यास ” — a comprehensive Civil Defence Preparedness Drill organized as part of the BDB’s commitment to good practices and workplace safety.
The drill, meticulously planned and professionally executed, was aimed at reinforcing readiness and response mechanisms in the event of an emergency. Within moments of the hooter and public address system announcement, all ingress and egress points of the vast BDB complex were sealed off. Vehicular movement came to a halt, and all food outlets, banking counters, stationery shops, tour & travel desks, and Diamond Testing Centres (DTCs) paused operations for the duration of the 30-minute drill.
BDB, which sees a daily footfall of nearly 38,000 people, came to a complete standstill the moment the hooter sounded. This in itself is a remarkable achievement and a clear reflection of the discipline and seriousness with which members regard such safety drills.
In accordance with protocol:
Common area lights and elevator operations were temporarily suspended, simulating Blackout/power cut scenarios.
Ground floor occupants were guided to basement areas, designated as safe zones.
The Security and Fire Safety Teams were actively on ground, leading and assisting members in an orderly and calm relocation.
Vice-President of BDB, Shri Mehul Shah, expressed deep appreciation for the cooperation extended by all stakeholders. “We are grateful to our members for understanding the seriousness of this exercise. Their discipline and swift response made this drill a grand success. I would especially like to commend our Security and Fire Safety teams for their professionalism and coordination throughout the operation,” he said.
Support from key institutions within the BDB ecosystem — MDMA, GJEPC, GII, Indian Customs, and IDTC — played a significant role in the smooth execution of the drill. Their participation underscored the collective commitment to a safe and prepared working environment.
President Shri Anoop Mehta, in his statement, remarked, “Preparedness is not a choice but a responsibility. At Bharat Diamond Bourse, we aim to foster a culture of safety where each individual is empowered and informed. This drill demonstrated our unity and resilience. I thank every member and institution who played their part. Together, we are stronger, safer, and better prepared.”
“Operation अभ्यास” concluded on a positive note, with valuable learnings and increased awareness among BDB’s members and staff. The success of this initiative reinforces BDB’s position as not just a global diamond hub, but also a benchmark for safety and civil defence readiness.
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