Blackout and Mock Drill: Punjab-Chandigarh plunges into darkness, sirens sound across cities; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 7, 2025 – Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and India’s Operation Sindoor, nationwide mock drills were carried out today, including in Punjab.
At exactly 7:30 pm, major cities across Punjab, including the capital Chandigarh, experienced a coordinated blackout.
The exercise began with the sounding of sirens, followed by the switching off of lights across cities as part of the civil defense preparedness drill.
The mock drill was aimed at testing emergency response systems and enhancing public preparedness in light of heightened national security concerns. Videos from across Punjab show streets plunged into darkness as residents participated in the drill.
Watch Video
Chandigarh, almost all cities of Punjab were involved in the mock drill. The exercise began at 4 pm with the receipt of information about a possible air strike, prompting immediate coordination among multiple agencies including the police, Central Industrial Security Force, Fire Brigade, District Administration, Health Department, Punjab Home Guard, NSS volunteers from local educational institutions, and rescue operations were carried out across Punjab. Organized by the administration in collaboration with Civil Defence officials, the exercise simulated real-time emergency response.