10-minute blackout drill in Chandigarh tomorrow

The Chandigarh administration on Tuesday said it will carry out a blackout drill for 10 minutes on Wednesday evening, appealing to people to keep electricity at their premises switched off during the rehearsal.

The decision comes in the wake of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) asking the states to conduct mock drills on Wednesday given the “new and complex threats" that have emerged amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Speaking to reporters here, Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Nishan Kumar Yadav said the blackout rehearsal will be conducted from 7.30 pm to 7.40 pm on Wednesday. A siren will be sounded at 7.30 pm and it will continue for 10 minutes, he said.

“I appeal to all citizens to switch off lights at their homes for 10 minutes. And if possible, they should remain at their homes so that preparation for a blackout can be conducted," said Yadav.

He added that the administration also spoke to the residents’ welfare associations and market associations in this regard.

“If people are outside of their homes for some work, they should park their cars and turn off vehicles’ headlights," he said.

Shopkeepers at markets and shopping malls have also been appealed to keep their lights off, he said.

“It is a preparatory mechanism and we do not need to panic. Alarm will shut at 7.40 pm and thereafter business will be as usual," he said.

Replying to a question, he said there will not be a power shutdown at hospitals, clinics and medical institutions during the blackout rehearsal. He also appealed to people not to hoard any essentials including petrol, diesel and ration.

To another question, he said the blackout drill is voluntary and shortcomings, if any, will be examined and corrected.

Chandigarh