Chandigarh, May 6 — In line with a national directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Chandigarh administration will conduct a citywide blackout drill on Wednesday evening, urging residents to switch off lights for 10 minutes as a precautionary readiness measure.
Deputy Commissioner Nishan Kumar Yadav informed the media that the drill will take place from 7:30 pm to 7:40 pm. A siren will be sounded at the beginning and will continue for the duration of the exercise.
“This is part of a preparedness initiative in light of emerging and complex threats amid ongoing border tensions,” Yadav said, referring to recent developments following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
“I appeal to all citizens to turn off lights at home and, if possible, remain indoors during the 10-minute blackout. This will help us rehearse for any potential emergency,” Yadav stated.
The administration has engaged with residents’ welfare associations and market bodies to ensure participation.
“We’ve requested shopkeepers and commercial establishments, including malls, to join the effort by turning off lights,” he said.
Yadav also advised those who are on the road during the drill to safely stop their vehicles and turn off headlights to simulate a full blackout environment.
He clarified that essential services such as hospitals and clinics will remain operational and will not face any disruption during the drill.
“There will be no power cut at medical facilities,” he assured.
Reassuring the public, Yadav emphasized the voluntary nature of the exercise. “This is a rehearsal, not a reason to panic. Business will return to normal after the siren ends at 7:40 pm,” he said, also urging residents not to hoard essential commodities like fuel and food items.
“We will monitor the exercise closely. Any shortcomings will be identified and addressed for future preparedness,” Yadav added.
The blackout drill is part of a broader nationwide mock preparedness operation initiated by the MHA to test civilian and administrative response under simulated emergency conditions.
