Punjab to hold statewide Civil Defence Air Raid, blackout mock drill on Nov 27
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 16, 2026: The Punjab Government will conduct a state-wide civil defence air raid and blackout mock drill across all districts on November 27, 2026, beginning at 8 pm, to assess and strengthen the state’s preparedness for emergency situations.
According to a government spokesperson, the exercise will begin with a two-minute air raid warning siren featuring a high-low pitch. During the drill, the respective Deputy Commissioners-cum-Controllers, Civil Defence, will implement a blackout in designated areas.
Residents in the designated areas will be asked to switch off all non-essential lights during the blackout, while essential services will continue to operate.
The drill will conclude with a two-minute continuous siren signalling the “all clear”. As part of the exercise, authorities will conduct and assess fire response operations, search and rescue activities, first-aid and emergency medical assistance, evacuation of injured persons to safe locations, and traffic and crowd-control measures.
The spokesperson said the exercise would help evaluate existing civil defence preparedness and response mechanisms and identify areas requiring further strengthening.
The government has appealed to residents not to panic, stressing that the exercise is a routine preparedness drill. People in the designated areas have been urged to remain calm, cooperate with officials and follow instructions issued during the exercise.