Punjab to go dark tonight as emergency mock drill tests readiness

Chandigarh- A blackout mock drill will be conducted across parts of Punjab on Friday night to assess emergency preparedness and strengthen the civil defence system. The exercise, scheduled between 8 pm and 8:15 pm, will involve simulated air raid warnings, temporary blackouts, and coordinated response activities by multiple agencies.

According to directives issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, sirens will sound at the start of the drill, signalling residents to switch off all non-essential lights. The aim is to replicate wartime or emergency scenarios and evaluate how effectively authorities and civilians respond under such conditions.

Officials confirmed that essential services will continue without interruption during the exercise. The blackout will be enforced only in designated areas identified by local administrations, with deputy commissioners overseeing implementation at the district level.

In cities like Ludhiana, the drill will be conducted at locations including Punjab Agricultural University and nearby areas, while other districts such as Faridkot will also participate with designated sites.

Authorities will simulate key emergency operations such as fire response, rescue missions, evacuation of injured persons, and traffic management to test coordination among departments. The drill will conclude with an “all clear” siren.

Similar preparedness exercises are also being carried out in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including districts like Kupwara and Anantnag, as part of a broader effort to enhance readiness against potential emergencies.