Punjab plunged into coordinated blackouts and civil defence drills on Wednesday, as part of large-scale preparedness measures in the wake of escalating national security tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor.
At exactly 7:30 pm, sirens blared across major cities including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mohali, and the state capital city — Chandigarh, signaling a blackout. Lights were turned off, vehicles pulled over, and streets fell into eerie darkness. The drills, conducted at over 20 key locations statewide, simulated real-time war-like scenarios to test emergency response systems and prepare citizens for possible aerial strikes or wartime emergencies.
In districts such as Mohali, Amritsar, and Jalandhar, residents witnessed extensive rehearsals involving police, civil defence units, fire brigades, health departments, and NCC and NSS volunteers. Students in schools ducked under desks, and children playing outdoors scrambled for cover. At DAV School in Nangal, Ropar, police trained children on survival techniques during wartime blackouts, including refraining from using mobile devices or keeping lights on.
In Amritsar, civil defence personnel conducted CPR demonstrations and first aid training, while fire teams practiced firefighting during mock emergencies. Rescue drills were also performed to simulate evacuation during air raids. NCC cadets actively participated in these exercises, aiding emergency teams and rehearsing casualty response procedures.
In Mohali, drills stretched from ground floors to the fifth floor of a local mall, teaching emergency exit strategies. Ambulance sirens echoed across the city as rescue rehearsals continued into the evening. While the blackout was widely implemented, a few exceptions — like liquor shops along the Mohali-Chandigarh border — remained illuminated.
Sangrur district, under Deputy Commissioner T Benith and Additional Deputy Commissioner Amit Bamby, conducted a 10-minute “crash blackout” from 8:30 to 8:40 pm. Except for the Civil Hospital, the entire district observed complete darkness. Citizens were advised to switch off all lights, inverters, and generators and avoid using mobile phones during the drill. The administration recommended high-rise residents descend to ground floors or designated shelters in case of real attacks.
SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal urged citizens to remain calm and refrain from sharing misinformation on social media. “Avoid forwarding unverified messages that may spread panic or disrupt harmony. The cyber cell has been activated to monitor such activity,” he cautioned.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier directed states to conduct such preparedness drills nationwide. In Punjab, cities were divided into Zone-2 and Zone-3 for systematic mock operations.
These drills come amidst a climate of alert following India’s precision strikes across the Line of Control under Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Punjab, being a border state, is particularly sensitive to any escalation and is reinforcing civil preparedness at every level.
Civil defence officials stated that such drills are vital not only to test the efficiency of emergency protocols but also to build public awareness and confidence. “It’s better to prepare in peace than panic in war,” said a senior official from the state disaster management authority.
Punjab Government, along with district administrations, expressed appreciation for citizens' cooperation, reiterating that public participation is key to successful emergency response. Officials confirmed that further drills will be conducted periodically to reinforce readiness and ensure that civilians and agencies remain equipped for any eventuality.
